Arabian Woman September 2013 Issue

(ISSUE #163) SEPTEMBER 2013

SAUDI ARABIA SR10 • UAE DHS10 • OMAN RO1 • BAHRAIN BD1 • QATAR QR10 • KUWAIT KD1 • JORDAN JD2 • LEBANON LL4000 • EGYPT EP10

BRIDAL ISSUE #163 September 2013

A Bridal Special

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Features 41

Keep that healthy body

Don’t waste all your efforts and eat your way back to an undesirable body after your wedding

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Choose your dress wisely

Stand out on your big day in Michael Cinco Haute Couture fashion

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Tasty and good-looking... we mean the cake

Show off your personality and create a wedding cake with the help of these connoisseurs

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The white princess

Need some style inspiration for your big day?

We’ve got some of the best looks you can get

Ersa Atelier

Regulars 12 Editor’s pick 28 A-list celebs 30 Glam events 48 Health & Wellness 88 dine out 90 getaway 94 artsy 96 entertainment

Bridal gown by Rami Al Ali Bridal bouquet by Bliss Dubai

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editor’s letter

Bridal Issue

An enchanting wedding is not every girl’s dream.

It is every mother’s dream, in fact. And from this dream comes a plethora of enchanting images: prince charming, stunning dress, hundreds of guests, grand venue, best catering, most beautiful flowers and so forth. It’s a dream of that day when a girl’s life is to change.

In this issue, AW recollects the dream, and creates a more vivid vision of what you, our dear readers, can get hold now to make this dream come true. And, yes, the grandiose of it all does not happen in fairytale romances only.

This season, be the regal bride in Michael Cinco Haute Couture collection. His bridal pieces from, his latest “The Impalpable Dream of Versailles” – one in our cover – are most sought after, indeed decadent fit to the most-awaited event of your life.

From the bridal cakes, bouquets, accessories and other bridal gown options, AW is filled with all things you need to know as a future Mrs. Also not to miss is our ‘The Wedding Bling,’ a feature of amazing collections of jewelleries you can pass on generations. The beauty bridal editorial is also a must-read as it delves into hair and make-up tips and trends perfect for the occasion. Check out these pages featuring beautiful Rami Al Ali bridal dress, completed with charming bouquets from Bliss Dubai.

Then, there are the ultimate destinations you have to consider as honeymoon venues.

Celebrate your love – and relax as newlyweds – in these exotic dreamy places. We assure you’ll fall in love even more.

Manolo Blahnik

Swarovski

Sonia Rykiel Michael Kors

But, of course, don’t skip our regulars as we give a lowdown of latest fashion and beauty trends as well as arts and entertainment news.

We hope that our September issue allows you to aspire the finest things in life. But more importantly, we want this issue to inspire in pursuing your dreams – may it be in being a beautiful happy bride or in being a happy person.

At the end of the day, what matters is what makes you truly happy.

Live and love,

Sherry 10

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Bakur A. Azher Associate Publisher Ayah R. Lunsford senior editor Sherry Tenorio supervising-editor@azherinfo.ae

SUB-EDITOR/features WRITER Faizal Dahlawia SENIOR Designer Virgie L. Santillan Agencies and SYNDICATION Planet Syndication Rex Features design Assistants Sajid-Ali Shaik Advertising Manager Hamdi M. Shiba - Jeddah Advertising executives Abdul Raouf Al Zubairi - Jeddah Leena Hamza - Riyadh Administration & Finance Ahmed Ali Ibrahim - Jeddah Mohamed Fathy Raslan - Dubai Business Development Manager Ladan Rahbary

Distribution Manager Muneer H. Abul Huda For Advertising Information email: awsales@azherinfo.ae Arabian Woman is a registered trademark and published by Azher Information Technology Group Ltd, 6 Thermistoclis Dervis St, 4th floor, Office D4, PO Box 4185, 1702 Nicosia, Cyprus.

ARABIAN WOMAN IS PRINTED BY PREMIER PRINTING PRESS Tel: 04-8853633; Fax: 04-8852777 Dubai Investment Park, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE No part of Arabian Woman may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher and editorial staff.

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editor’s pick

Stylish Candice Honestly, we can’t take our eyes off this silk white Chantilly lace embroidered long sleeve column gown by Monique Lhuiller. It’s very, very, simple yet it stands out with its quiet elegance and sheer beauty.

One of the pieces in the Bridal Fall 2013 collection, Candice, as it is aptly called, takes a contemporary style by incorporating a white tulle A-line overskirt and silk white magnolia ruched tulle cummerbund. What makes us more tuned in to this dress is that it looks easy to wear, giving brides a comfy option during one of the busiest days of their lives. So, yes, it’s stunning, stylish yet ultra functional, and we love that, don’t we?

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Fashion Beauty Luxury

Dare to be different and you’ll be the showstopper you know you always were.

AW Shops

White Winter

Mulberry pearly tote

Carolina Herrera floorsweeping evening gown

Fawcett crystal necklace by Shourouk

Milkyshaded shoulder bag

by Loewe

Ivory top from Dee by Dalia at Valleydez

Marc by Marc Jacobs’ clutch

Bulgari’s Diva white gold earrings with pavé diamonds

Concord Saratoga Lady White

Embellished and ashen flats by Giuseppe Zanotti Immaculate heels by Michael Kors

Pristine white Alexander McQueen frock

Valentino’s golden studded and frosted kneelength boots

Stock up with loads of white-coloured tops, dresses, shoes, bags and accessories that are runway-proven trendy. The head-to-toe winter white ensembles definitely made an impression on the catwalk so check out the must-haves we compiled for you…

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AW TRENDS

W hat t o wear w hen…

Attending a wedding is a tricky fashion occasion. You must be chic and stylish, yet shine without overdoing it or taking the spotlight from the bride. With this in mind, AW gathered ideas from our favourite online go-to guide, net-a-porter.com, and selected trendy frocks and accessories that would bring fashion inspirations for fabulous wedding guests.

Erdem lowry jacquard dress

Jo metallic leather waist belt by Chloe

Stella McCartney holographic faux leather pouch

Bottega Veneta sterling silver chain-link bracelet

Vintage Orange

Bottega Veneta’s iconic ‘Knot’ clutch

Alice + Olivia Victoria stretch jersey peplum dress

Peplum may have risen a couple of seasons ago but there is no denying that this look is here to stay. Trends for A/W 2013-2014 still shows a lot of affection towards this vintage-looking silhouette, making this orange Alice+Olivia dress an amazing choice for openair events. Style it with a thin waist belt and ultra-chic sandals with accents of bling ring and statement clutch.

Green Blooms Floral prints and green palette are sizzling hot for the F/W 2013-2014 season. Splashes of these trends were all over high fashion runways. This number by Erdem is such a classic pattern that proves trendy and chic for wedding parties. Hype the style up with Bottega Veneta’s iconic pieces and Jimmy Choo’s must-have pair.

Jimmy Choo ‘Anouk’ degradé metallic leather and suede pumps

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Sophia Webster Rio Sunset printed matte-satin sandals

Eddie Borgo lotus ionized ring

AW TRENDS

Midi and Prints

Valentino cottonblend lace mini

It’s official: Midi is the new maxi. This season, skirt lengths take new heights, and so here’s a number by Matthew Williamson that would prove trendy and comfy for your wedding soirees. The prints on this jersey dress also add to the glamour for folkthemed styles that were also present on A/W runways. It’s recommended to complete the ensemble with envelope clutch, statement accessories and chic classic shoes.

Lace Love Who wouldn’t wear a lace dress to wedding?

Thanks to Valentino for keeping this classic material on trend this season. It presents a simple yet full-pledged elegance, and is very much appropriate for the affair. On here, this mini ensemble takes a more stylish step with classy looking accessories and Christian Louboutin’s pointed nude pumps.

Aurélie Bidermann’s gold-plated marbled turquoise ring

Marc by Marc Jacobs silvertone, resin, cord and satin necklace

Matthew Williamson printed stretch jersey dress

Eddie Borgo’s rose goldplated cone bracelet

Bijoux Heart’s rainbow-hued Swarovski crystal clip earrings

Monica Vinader’s goldplated sterling silver ring

Valextra’s texturedleather envelope clutch

Charlotte Olympia’s ‘Pandora’ clutch

Givenchy’s black leather sandals

Christian Louboutin’s neutral ‘Décolleté’ leather pumps

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fashion news

Stylish Travel Books The new Louis Vuitton Travel Books are now available at Louis Vuitton stores worldwide. These books offer a contemporary vision of travel – exploration of cities and travel destinations through the eyes of four artists who are unfamiliar with them, illustrating their impressions through their own artistic vocabulary such as drawing, painting, collage and cartoon. Each edition presents itself as a work of art in itself, with renowned artists Jean-Philippe Delhomme and Chéri Samba, as well as young promising artists Natsuko Seki and Daniel Arsham, each telling their journey. These books are an invitation to real and virtual journeys by both renowned and promising artists, and the collection will be enriched each year with new destinations. This year the following have launched: Paris

by Congolese artist Chéri Samba, New York by French Jean-Philippe Delhomme, London by Japanese artist Natsko Seki and Easter Island by American Daniel Arsham

Want to win

‘SHOES FOR A YEAR’?

Put your best foot forward with statement shoes at Harvey Nichols – Dubai. This Autumn/Winter 2013, a myriad of options prevails. In the women’s collections, ‘ladylike femininity’, ‘masculine inspired’ to a chic take on ‘motorcycle grunge’. The sky’s the limit in the Women’s Footwear area on Level 1 with a line-up of must-have boots, stylish pumps and statement flats. This season sees the return of a striking accessory – the boot. Long boots by Chloe, Le Silla and Sergio Rossi add elegance to your wardrobe while biker boots are the ‘go-to’ accessory of the current ‘grunge’ trend, led by Giuseppe Zanotti and Gianvitto Rossi.

The point-toe pump is a classic for every fashionista’s wardrobe, seen in collections including Alexander McQueen, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. Functional whilst impacting; this season sees a fresh take on flat styles. Point-toe ‘power flats’ offer the perfect polish to any outfit, with Charlotte Olympia offering an array of styles. New brands in-store this season – Avec Moderation and Del Toro – highlight the loafer styles of the moment, featuring ornate beading, to velvet or pony finishes. For menswear, ‘modern military’, ‘animal instinct’ and ‘sunset shades’ are some of the buzzwords in the style vision of our favourite designers.

In celebration of the key footwear trends, Harvey Nichols – Dubai launches the ‘Shoes for a Year’ campaign.

From September 1 – 29, make a purchase in-store worth AED3,000 and above to enter a draw to win shoes for an entire year – a pair every month! A winner from the Womenswear and the Menswear Department will be selected.

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Discover a Tradition of Savoir-Faire and Innovation La Vallée Village is proud to support three young artists – Janaïna Milheiro, Christine Phung and Clothilde Toussaint – from the worlds of fashion and haute couture who bring together traditional savoir-faire and innovation. La Vallée Village’s mission, beyond offering its guests a memorably superior and enjoyable shopping experience, is to use its art gallery to give a voice to personalities that open the public’s eyes to new ways of seeing fashion and the world it inhabits.

La Vallée Village is also taking part in Révélations, the first international biennial fair promoting fine craftsmanship, open from September 11-15 under the iconic glass roof of the Grand Palais in Paris. The Village has created for the three artists a dedicated podium to present their works. This exhibition will bring to light the link between the traditions of artisans and contemporary creation, between the past and the future.

fashion news

London College of Fashion Returns Renowned UK-based fashion college, London College of Fashion (LCF) is bringing its Short Courses programme to the Middle East from September 20 – October 1, featuring high-profile and expert tutors and a range of new and exciting subjects.

For the first time in the Middle East, two brand new courses will be on offer – Handbag Design and Fashion Drawing. The Handbag Design course is ideal as it shows what’s involved in creatively and practically producing a range of bags with coordinating purses or wallets. Students will start with

researching, and understanding the market, before exploring fabric selection, current trends in surface decoration, range building and where to manufacture the collection.

The practical Fashion Drawing course will help students explore drawing styles and techniques used in the fashion industry today. The tutor will show how to express designs and ideas figuratively, building up students’ confidence with pencil and paper!

Through a series of innovative exercises the class will learn how to draw a fashion figure, sketch garments, and seamlessly combine figures with clothing.

Fashion supports charity The first edition of the ‘Designs of Hope’ Charity Exhibition proved to be a huge success with a majority of the designer collection sold out within the first and second day of the event. Dubai Ladies Club raised around AED300,000 from the sale of over 300 Abayas, Jalabiyas and Kaftans that will be dedicated to the Noor Al Hayat, the first activity of Al Manal Humanitarian Initiative, to help prevent and cure blindness and restore the gift of sight to the poor around the world, through Noor Dubai Foundation.

Each designer provided several pieces from their collections for the exhibition. After quick sell-outs, several designers came forward to replenish stocks with additional items for the following days.

The finalists of 2013 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards announced

Fashion Forward Season Two is now confirmed Fashion Forward will return to Dubai in October from the 15th-18th, during the Eid Al Adha celebrations, making it the perfect time for the regional fashion community to come to Dubai and experience the finest in Middle Eastern talent. The second season will bring with it all of the success from the inaugural event, plus some exciting new additions, including the support of Dubai Design District.

Fashion Forward Season Two promises even more designers – in October, the catwalk presentations will span four full days – once more, representing the best couture and

Cartier, in partnership with the Women’s Forum, INSEAD business school and McKinsey & Company, announced the finalists of the 2013 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards. The 18 finalists were selected among over 1,000 applications. They will be coached by professionals from Cartier, INSEAD and McKinsey & Company to prepare for the Jury presentations in October. The Laureates will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on October 17, 2013, at the Annual Global Meeting of the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society, in Deauville, France.

ready-to-wear pieces that designers in the Middle East have to offer. Fashion Forward’s developmental programme, too, will grow, involving more international industry professionals, including decision-makers in global e-commerce, trend forecasting, and public relations as well as wider attendance by stylists and buyers.

The finalists include: Noura Saad, from Jordan, provider of online private tutoring services to students around the Arab region; Mirna Hamady from Lebanon, who is behind Kashida and designs accessories, furniture,and corporate gifts based on 3D Arabic typography; and Sima Najjar from Jordan who is behind ekeif.com, and produces ‘how-to’ videos in Arabic tailored to the Arab world. ‘These women have a will to succeed that is driven by generosity,’ said Stanislas de Quercize, President & CEO of Cartier International.

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Beauty

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1. Smashbox Liquid Halo HD Foundation with SPF 15 Think coverage with the added bonus of actually looking like natural skin, not a heavy mask of makeup. And because it works with the skin’s natural undertones, it’s sure to always have the exact match. This halo makes it possible to have a coveted lit-from-within glow by letting your natural skin tones come through, while still providing perfect coverage.

2. Teint Couture by Givenchy Luxurious yet easy to apply, comfortable and nearly indiscernible, natural and lustrous, Teint Couture offers perfect hold in two versions: a chiffon-light fluid and an ethereal compact powder accompanied by a pink-tinged brightener.

Far from being just another long-hold formula, Teint Couture is a new way of thinking about foundation, the answer to every woman’s wish for a silken, invisible effect, with a second-skin, no-buildup finish, lustrous and decidedly Haute Couture.

3. Cellular Water by Institut Esthederm On the occasion of its 35th anniversary, Institut Esthederm offers its iconic product in a mini-format of 35ml – to be carried with you everywhere! Cellular Water is a unique composition, fully formulated with elements identical to those found in the skin. Cellular Water is a replica of skin water that optimises the cell’s energy environment and stimulates cellular activity. Energised skin is able to function at its full potential and is more receptive to subsequently applied skin care.

4. Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude Eye Palette This palette is housed in a smart blue tortoise-shell compact and opens to reveal a mirror and two shelves of 4 shadows each. With shades ranging from creamy white to nude to deep royal blue, it’s your one-stop shop for an effortlessly chic summer eye. Drop it into your weekender bag and you’re ready for anything.

It’s high time to visit your beauty shelves, and update your stocks.

Check out these amazing new launches that will surely give you the much-needed beauty boost.

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5. Estee Lauder Invisible Powder Makeup This revolutionary formula ensures the perfect suspension of pigments and optics with a talc-free, crystal clear system that delivers supreme colour clarity and pureness. This air-infused, ultra-light and ultra-breathable formula also uses slurry technology to give the powder a unique suede-satin feel.

Invisible Powder Makeup’s texture is exceptionally lightweight without sacrificing coverage – like an invisible veil of silk for your face. Easy to blend, Invisible Powder Makeup builds invisibly and works as both a powder foundation and finishing powder – it’s your skin only better!

6. Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder This new foundation formulation is silky-smooth, offering a natural veil that imparts a colour true finish to the complexion.

Gliding on effortlessly, it hydrates and camouflages fine lines.

Oil free, with a natural, matte finish – it can be applied wet or dry for the coverage desired. It’s suitable for everyone: all ages, skin-tones and skin-types.

7. Max Factor Colour Elixir Giant Pen Stick

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Play and create stunning, stand-out lip looks this season as Max Factor pushes the boundaries of creative lip colouring with new Colour Elixir Giant Pen Stick– a range of giant lip pencils featuring a pigment-rich colour palette for impact, and a precision sculpted tip for true definition. Launching in 10 super-rich shades in UAE and 12 super-rich shades in KSA, it’s time to unleash your inner-artist to create your boldest glamour statement yet.

Beauty 1. Prada Luna Rossa 34th America’s Cup Limited Edition It is a collector’s bottle to honour the team’s participation in the world’s legendary competition.

Inspired by the Luna Rossa AC72’s cutting-edge graphic forms and materials, the dynamic bottle and outer packaging project strength and sophistication.

There may have been thousands of scents to choose from but fret not, we have compiled the most luxurious that will make you breeze through the whole year smelling and feeling like a million bucks.

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2. FLASH by Jimmy Choo Introducing FLASH, the second fragrance from Jimmy Choo. It is a solar floral, based around a bouquet of white flowers. It is both effervescent and sensual and evokes the promise, excitement and high-octane atmosphere of going out. Encased in a luxurious, shimmering, crystal faceted bottle, it is for the glamorous, urban woman.

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3. Amorino Black A mysterious collection, majestic and imposing; three perfumes, Black Diamond, Black Essence and the Black Secret, represent an array of sensual desires. The Amorino Black is almost impossible to resist; a charm that will never leave him/her indifferent, no matter what be their addiction.

4. Givenchy ‘Ange ou Etrange Le Secret Eau de Toilette’ For this new composition, Givenchy created an elegant chypre fruity floral with gourmand top notes and seductive middle notes. Its unique harmony of crisp fruit, captivating flowers and caressing musk reveal both a modern and timeless, fresh and intensely sensual fragrance.

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MS White: The Debonair The suave, urbane gent who is always the centre of attention would opt for MS White, a crisp, easy-to-wear, jaunty fragrance that encapsulates all that is fresh and pure, with an intrinsic element of fun. Enlivened at the first instance with bright fruity citrus notes of grapefruit, lemon, apple and tangerine, the scent created by the much-respected ‘nose’ Julie Massé (from Mane), MS White moves immediately to a more aromatic fragrance before settling in the always-special base heroes of musk, tonka bean and sensual amber.

5. CH Eau de Parfum Sublime by Carolina Herrera The essence of the CH Eau de Parfum Sublime woman is based on a combination of sensuality and spontaneity. She is fun, cheerful and charming, charismatic but with a hint of mystery which makes her even more special, intriguing and irresistible.

6. Versace Crystal Trio Versace celebrates its success in the realm of luxury perfume with its line of iconic fragrances, including Versace Bright Crystal (energising, floral and sensual), Versace Crystal Noir (‘red carpet’ fragrance) and Versace Yellow Diamond (fresh bright, sparkling with intensity).

7. musc for her by narciso rodriguez

In honour of the 10-year anniversary, Narciso Rodriguez parfums release his iconic fragrance again: musc for her, a sensuality that is sublime with a subtle intensity that lingers. musc for her was the first pure interpretation of Narciso Rodriguez’s initial inspiration, the rare Egyptian musc.

8. Salvatore Ferragamo ‘Signorina’ Signorina Eau de Toilette is the ideal fragrance for a romantic young woman who expresses her graceful sensuality through natural elegance. Inspired by the chic sensation of feminine rose notes and fruity tones on a milky wood dry-down, this is an exceptionally fresh scent with vivaciously cheeky soul.

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SCENT SPECIAL

The Scents Of Glamour Because the art of seduction is never complete without a scent, Bourjois took an early interest in perfumery. For 134 years, the French brand has created legendary names and cult fragrances: Mon Parfum, Soir de Paris, Kobako, Mais Oui and Glamour. Let’s take a walk down memory lane in joyful retrospect of the brand’s many scents of glamour.

1923

1880

Bourjois has been creating fragrances since 1880: extracts called ‘Parfum de Mouchoir’, prettily named scented lotions such as ‘Royale’, ‘Le Parfum de Lisette’ or ‘Etoile d’Amour’, as well as floral waters.

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Bourjois launched Mon Parfum, a new trend in the perfumery world with a name that expressed the choice of wearing fragrance, claiming it as an essential component of the wearer’s personality!

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The reputation of Bourjois Parfumeur literally boomed with the legendary Soir de Paris. Originally designed by Ernest Beaux for the American market, ‘Evening in Paris’ launched in France the following year. ‘The most famous perfume in the world’ (as stated in the original advertising) met with phenomenol success.

The story then continued with Kobako, Mais Oui, Ramage and Glamour… to name but a few, and more recently, the Clin d’Oeil eau de toilette collection.

As the years went by, from one success to the next, Bourjois established its name as a perfumer, as well as a make-up specialist.

SCENT SPECIAL

2013

Bourjois renews its perfumer tradition and pays tribute to one of its historic creations, the one whose name alone expresses the most fascinating aspects of femininity: Glamour.

First launched in 1953, Glamour by Bourjois was initially available as a parfum, eau de Cologne and lotion for hairdressing salons. Bourjois was lucky to own this symbolic name, epitomising femininity and exuding a floral chypre aldehyde fragrance.

Such was the enthusiasm for this fragrance – ‘as gay as youth’ – that an eau de toilette and soaps shortly followed to complete the range. In around 1963, Bourjois introduced a new bottle. The top took the shape of a bow; featured on packaging, and became the fragrance’s visual identity.

Today, Bourjois revisits this emblematic bow and celebrates Glamour attitude in a brand new collection of fragrances… essential Glamour! Bourjois has injected its perfumery experience into two new modern, sparkling and surprising fragrances, incarnations of different facets of femininity.

These eau de parfums are at the very heart of perfume trends. Embracing today’s signs of the times, they will surprise you with the wealth of their astonishing compositions, like fine and delicious perfume bubbles!

Their signature scent mischievously called ‘bourjoisie’ expresses the spontaneity and vitality of the brand. A sweet touch given to sparkling and surprising notes and a form of ‘Bourjois lightness’ appears in even the headiest fragrances!

Glamour Excessive

Vibrant, round and elegant, Glamour Excessive is a bewitching musky oriental that rolls outs its notes like a series of olfactory surprises. Totally addictive, coconut flirts with freesia and cardamom in a sparkling flight opening onto a floral middle note where the nobility of orris encounters the enchantment of peony. In the base note, patchouli and vanilla pod captivate and bewitch, whereas the creamy softness of sandalwood and musk add a soothing touch. It’s a subtle yet provocative eau de parfum! With Glamour Excessive, she turns heads and sets hearts on fire.

Glamour Fantasy

For all colourful fashionistas and lovers of fantasy, Bourjois creates Glamour Fantasy, the fragrance with a dash of madness! A hymn to sensuality, this fruity chypre fragrance opens with a voluptuous and lively flight revolving around cherry and raspberry macaroon. In the middle note, sweet strawberry embraces languorous jasmine in a wonderful floral bouquet. In the base note, intense and heady patchouli leaves an amazing sensual trail. Indeed, it’s an eau de parfum that sparks the imagination.

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People and Events

Meet all types of people and make different kinds of friends. You’ll never know how it can benefit you someday.

B O U R J O I S C E L E B R AT E S I T S 1 5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A RY I N 2 O 1 3 !

LITTLE ROUND POT BLUSH BOURJOIS 150 YEARS OF COLOUR, 150 YEARS OF EXPERTISE AND INNOVATION… FOR 150 YEARS BOURJOIS HAS BEEN PRODUCING ACCESSIBLE BEAUTY FOR ALL WOMEN, WITH IT’S INFAMOUS LITTLE ROUND POTS. FARD PASTEL YESTERDAY, YESTERDAY BLUSHES TODAY. TODAY WE REVIST THE STORY OF THIS CULT PRODUCT.

1881 Of all the different types of make-up, one quickly stood out as women’s favourite, a “fard séché sur plaque”, or baked-dry colour for cheeks, soon renamed “fard pastel”.

It was presented in an adorable little round

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pot that would soon become the signature of Bourjois. In the

1914 The famous first shade “Cendre de roses” adopted a new Little Round Pot made of P imitation shagreen cardboard, the colour matched to the shade within. With record

longevity, this shade is still on sale today.

beginning, it was made of cardboard with a romantic flower print decor.

1996

20 shades including

Ever the perfect beauty companion, the blush grew more sophisticated with a built-in mirror and a more practical opening mechanism. The gold push button added a feminine touch. And the unique fine and light texture, mythical Roses perfume.

legendary revived shades such as “Rose Thé” (1936) or “Rose Mandarine” (1968). A formula updated (no preservatives or paraben) for a more natural result.

A-LIST CELEBS

Actress Jennifer Aniston wore Burberry on the set of her new film ‘Squirrel to the Nuts’ in New York.

Following the successful launch of Rami Al Ali’s AW2013/14 collection, actress Gemma Arterton was photgraphed wearing one of the designs from his SS2013 collection for a jewellery shoot in the August issue of Vanit y Fair.

Olga Kurylenko wears Pomellato to ‘Cocktails wit h the Queen’ the British Consulate’s toast to the US launch of the Starz ‘The White Queen’.

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Actress Lea Michele wore Tiffany Atlas at The Teen Choice awards where she won ‘Choice Actress, Comedy’.

Lily Collins promoted her new film, The Mortal Instruments: Cit y of Bones at Apple Store Soho Presents: Meet The Filmmakers, wearing three H.Stern Stars rings in 18K Noble Gold wit h diamonds.

A-LIST CELEBS

Collection e ètr m uo D e’d ltr ou eC -L er eg Ja d an en Clive Ow Internationally renowned British actor, icon of elegance, but also a humanitarian who dedicates his time and energy to his favourite charities, Clive Owen is a man of his time. A man close to Jaeger-LeCoultre values. A man of today.

Owen represents the sophisticated image of Jaeger-LeCoultre Fine Watchmaking. His discrete yet charismatic elegance is in perfect harmony with the Duomètre collection; a true expression of the savoir faire of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Manufacture.

As the first model in this prestigious

lineage, the Duomètre à Chronographe watch will be issued in pink gold and platinum, while an 18-carat yellow gold edition will be presented in a limited series of 300.

The Duomètre vividly illustrates JaegerLeCoultre’s unassailable position in the highest spheres of technical watchmaking. Although the watch might look deceptively simple to the uninitiated, the first Duomètre à Chronographe may well prove to embody the ultimate in chronographs – at least until the appearance of a new creation destined to take its place in this exceptional lineage.

Robert Downey Jr. Fronts New HTC Campaign

Robert Downey Jr.(RDJ) is the star of HTC’s ‘Here’s to Change’ brand-building advertising campaign. The ad creative marries RDJ’s wit and charisma with HTC’s playful nature to instil the HTC brand name into consumers’ minds.

RDJ has signed a two-year deal with HTC to bring HTC’s Change platform to life. In the creative, RDJ is the instigator of change – he inspires it, creates it and curates it.

He takes consumers on a journey to show how HTC can be ‘whatever you want it to be’, using scenarios that bring to life imaginative word associations based on the letters of the brand name, HTC. The quirky and offbeat creative sees RDJ. as an advertising executive who animates HTC’s brand with playful iterations of the HTC acronym. His imaginative direction includes a life size incarnation

of a Humungous Tinfoil Catamaran which he sets to sail, and a Hipster Troll Carwash complete with lovable greenhaired trolls who are busy washing cars to music under his direction. The creative ad also features many other interpretations of HTC that consumer fans are invited to spot, guess and share including Hot Tempered Cheerleaders, Hawaiian Tickling Ceremony, Happy Taco Cart, and Hands That Clap.

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glam

Max Factor Make-up Academy Opens at Attitude Studio Max Factor, the make-up of make-up artists, has launched the new Max Factor Make-up Academy in partnership with Attitude Enterprises at Attitude Studio in Al Quoz, Dubai. As the first of its kind in the region, the Academy puts make-up artistry in your hands, providing a highly professional training program. The official opening ceremony of the Academy saw strong attendance by a slew of special guests and was held in the presence of Max Factor Regional Make-up Artist, Samira Olfat, who is the founder and creator of the Academy courses.

By launching the Max Factor Make-up Academy, the brand is recognizing the needs of women in the Middle East, and in particular UAE, who want to improve their skills by learning from the very best. The institution’s highly professional training program also caters to women looking to pursue a professional career in make-up artistry.

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glam

L’oreal Paris Reveals Its New Invention In a theatrical atmosphere with laser-light effects L’Oreal Paris reveals its new product ‘Revitalift Laserx3’ at the Radisson Royal Hotel – Dubai, the first cream to challenge the effects of an anti-aging laser session in only three steps. The announcement of the new product was declared by Laurent Duffier GM C onsumer Product Division L’Oreal Middle East, the product was innovated as a result of over 100 years of research by L’oreal Paris. Elisabeth Bohadana Scientific C ommunication Director L’Oreal Paris presented the researches and technologies used to innovate this product and its important ingredient which is powerful anti-ageing molecule. The speakers answered several product related questions and its effectiveness. The event was attended by L’Oreal’s partners, local and regional Media.

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glam

Fash Pack at the Vaseline Launch Dubai’s top fashionistas and socialites gathered together at Mina A’Salam to celebrate the launch of the newest skin sensation, the Vaseline Total Moisture Velvet Musk. Known for providing range of effective skin care products, this newest addition to the family is said to give soft, smooth skin with long lasting velvety aroma of musk. The unveiling was welcomed with great ardor of the city’s renowned fashion pack.

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profile

Q&A

with Sahar Al Ansari Was it your childhood dream to make it big in the corporate world? Who and what influenced you to pursue your career?

It was not my childhood dream; in fact the thought never crossed my mind. However, from a young age, I developed a strong personality; perhaps too strong at times! I believe this strength in character has led to where I am today.

My dream of entering the corporate world first started in university, when I had to give a speech in front of the entire business school. My speech was so impactful, I made some heads turn and I clearly remember being approached by many students who were inspired by my speech. This event marked an important milestone in my career decision.

In this day and age, women in the Arab world are breaking the stereotyped vision of men ruling the businesses. More and more women are now given important roles in the corporate world.

Meet Sahar Al Ansari, the Real Estate Director at Dubai Properties Group, who is primarily in-charge on planning, construction and facilities management as well as investor and customer relations upon completion of developments. Amazing as she is, this lady proves that having a successful career as well as work/life balance is not far from reality.

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From then on, I knew I had the right personality to make it in the corporate world. What made the dream stronger in my mind was an interview that happened 12 years ago; an interview I consider to be the most important of my life with the CEO of DPG at the time. He asked me what my long-term goals were and I answered very bluntly: “I want to be where you are someday�! I surprised myself with this statement but it made so much sense to me. I thanked him as he encouraged me to pursue my dream and did not ridicule my thoughts.

I have been working so hard ever since to reach my goal of running a company that makes a difference to my country. I am now heading the Real Estate Development division which is a focal part of Dubai Properties Group, but of course I still have

profile not realised my dream or full potential yet. I know I have a long way to go but I still have the excitement and willpower to take my career to the next level.

Some think I am too ambitious for my own good; however this thought never crossed my mind. I am confident I have the capabilities and personality to achieve my goal.

There were many influences in my life. I have had my own ‘Board of directors’ who have guided me throughout my journey, without which I could not have reached the stage I am at today.

The corporate world is stereotyped to be a man’s world. How difficult was it for you to battle the challenges? What did you do to cope with the difficulties?

I don’t fully believe in a stereotyped man’s world. Yes, perhaps there are slightly more opportunities in some areas for men but in general if you are good at what you do, you will find a way. The key is to set your intentions and grasp every opportunity presented to you.

I think every woman, Emirati or otherwise, faces the same challenge – that elusive work/life balance! I am lucky that I work for a company where the value of female employees is recognised and DPG has introduced a working culture where women with family commitments can work around school hours or work from home if a child is sick. It is essential to create a workplace environment where a work/life balance is the norm, not the exception, and I think if this is in place, it will be a lot more attractive to be a working woman.

their family and I am also proud that I have a dedicated team and very importantly a visionary leadership.

Would you recommend a career in the corporate world to Emirati women?

I would say to them: “This is your country, so make sure you are part of it in every way possible.”

What advantages does being a career woman give you?

Having a career definitely makes you independent, and provides you with ample tools to use in your personal and professional life. It also provides you with great networking opportunities and most importantly it is fun.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the fact that we always have to deal with tight deadlines; it gives me an exhilarating feeling. This to me is freedom, as I love working against challenging deadlines!

When you’re not on the job, how do you spend your day? What other passions/ hobbies do you have?

Friday mornings are very special to me.

I spend them at the beach, watching the sunrise. It is where I find myself letting go of all thoughts and simply ‘Be’. There is always power in silence and stillness.

I also feel fulfilled when working on projects that give back to the UAE community and contribute to the future vision of Dubai.

All of the communities, districts and destinations developed and serviced by DPG are places where people live with their families, go to work every day, go to shop, dine and have fun.

Describe your management style.

I am tough, perhaps too tough sometimes, but I do believe in giving credit to the people who come up with innovative ideas and deliver on results. I also believe in guiding those who struggle at times as I believe that everyone has the potential to grow.

What makes you proud about your job?

As I have mentioned previously, I am proud that we have delivered projects where people can create their entire lives with

What else do you aim for? How do you envision your future?

I aim to become the CEO of a company that participates in building HH’s future vision

Everything is created twice: Once in your mind and once in reality.

So be responsible for your thoughts as what we think, reality becomes.

– Sahar Al Ansari

for the UAE and helping people realise their full potential and do what they really want in their lives. I also have another important goal in my life which is to write a book; perhaps more than one!

What does being an Arab woman mean to you?

Being an Arab woman is no small feat, we are often at the center of families and we must make sure that our culture and heritage is included in the day-to-day life that surrounds us. This region offers a lot of promise; we are on the uphill being recognised more and more for our work and achievements. I also think that because we are more now than ever surrounded with strong female Arab role models, continuing to be inspired by them is very important.

What makes you proud to be an Arab woman?

I am proud to represent a country that has grown into a key business and tourist hub, attracting millions of visitors every year. Our participation in the Expo 2020 bid serves as a testimonial to the position Dubai currently holds on the world map. I am also very proud to work in a company which develops and manages sustainable communities that contribute to the development of Dubai as a key tourist destination.

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feature

AW Bridal Special The day is finally here; the gown is ready, the tables are set, the guests are seated, and the man of your dreams is waiting to take your hand.

This could possibly be the best day of your life. Enjoy your wedding and forever live in its blissful memory.

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feature

How They Managed Their

B ig Day

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feature

From the venue to the food and more, Saadiya Ahmad met with three women in Dubai to find out just how they prepared for their big day...

Dina El Jisr is a fashion designer for her own brand DINA JSR. She always wanted to create a line for women out there and make them look fabulous, and always with a touch of elegance.

“The theme of my wedding is chic, elegant and romantic: lots of crystals, candles and white veils everywhere. As for the dress, being a designer gives you the opportunity to actually design your own dress but to be honest it is not easy to design your own dress, because you get confused on what you want. Then there is the pressure to do something that not only pleases you but also represents the brand DINA JSR. But I’m almost done with my dress and I am very happy.

Rola Karam is my favourite make-up artist so she always does my make-up but as for the hair, I haven’t had the chance to see who will be doing it. For accessories, I will be wearing earrings and my wedding ring. The dress itself is like a jewel so adding jewellery to it will make it lose its splendour.

I have my favourite wedding planner Ziad Nassar, Owner of Once, who is also a very close family friend and who knows my fiancé and I very well, so it’s much easier to have someone who understand your personalities, because you become more relaxed knowing whatever he does fits who we are. As for the food, we had my mother-in-law and my mother to do the food tasting, they are both great at cooking so we couldn’t have chosen anyone better to do it.

We had divided the table decorations into two, one side for the parents and the other for the younger people. For the parents’ side, we had them choose the decoration of the tables, while for the young side we made it more like a lounge, where people could all interact with one another. Ultimately, it’s your wedding and the parents’ wedding too. I believe that what makes the perfect wedding is knowing that you are marrying the love of your life and you have both families together to share that love.”

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feature

Moroccan Lydia Moustakine, Senior Hairstylist at Sisters Beauty Lounge, the Dubai Mall branch had a traditional Arabic themed wedding at her home in Dubai.

“Everything from my wedding was Arabic: food, music and also my dress was a traditional Moroccan gown. My family in France knew a designer who has made several items of clothing for them in the past. The traditional Moroccan dress is long with a belt in the middle. The colours of the dress were red and white, with a touch of gold. As for my hair, I can be quite fussy so I styled it myself back into a bun and I also applied my make-up, which looked very natural. Sometimes Arabic make up can be dramatic and heavy so I did my own to give me a natural look.

The wedding itself was very small, just close family and friends. The food was traditional Arabic food. Of course a lot of couscous was there! And I chose to have strawberry cheesecake too!

Before the day, I got several treatments done such as manicure, pedicure, waxing and a blowdry. These were necessities but also very relaxing at the same time! I was very fortunate that everything went smoothly. My mother and aunt who came over from Algeria were very helpful with organising the ceremony with me. The easiest part for me was getting everyone to have a good time! Everyone enjoyed themselves, ate a lot of food and danced ‘til late. A close friend of mine was the deejay and played all the music I wanted to have at the wedding. At the end of it all, I think the most important thing is not to stress. Try to be cool and calm, and actually enjoy every aspect of the wedding including the organising bit before. I also think when planning your wedding, be original as this will create unique memories of your special day.”

Joelle Vosper actually started her own wedding blog www.mylovelywedding.com while she was planning her own wedding last year. As a wedding stylist she focuses on design details, DIY decor, and the overall theme of the wedding.

“My wedding was quite English and had a vintage theme to it. I used recycled brown craft paper for my stationery, recycled jars and bottles, and used them as vases. My wedding colours were simple, and my bridesmaid wore a sage green dress with polka dots.

The easiest part was finding the dress. Every girl knows what she wants, and there is nothing better than falling in love with your wedding dress. It’s one of those moments that you’ll never forget. For me, it’s the little details that count.

I always knew I wanted to wear a vintage wedding dress. There is something so romantic about it, and I had my heart set on it from day one. My dress was delicate, and made entirely of lace. It’s from the 1970s but had an Edwardian feel to it. My hair and make-up was done by Dubai makeup artist Trudy Klein. My shoes were my from Manolo Blanik, and they were my big spend.

The week before my wedding, my Dad and Stepmother gave me a pair of diamond earrings. My dress was high and had long sleeves so I really didn’t need any accessories. I planned the wedding by myself with the help of my husband Nathan. He managed the food and I took care of all the other details. I made lots of the décor myself even painted signs, and blackboards. It was hard work but I loved every minute of it. The most challenging part of planning a wedding is probably finding a venue. Once you have the venue booked then everything else will slowly fall into place.

Adding personal touches can make a huge difference. Your guests will recognise your efforts and will never forget them. Good food is something that guests will never forget, too - feed your guests properly, and they will be happy!”

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health

Don’t Ditch

The Healthy Eating

After Your Wedding

L After spending days at the gym and sweating to lose kilos for the big day, many of us gain it all back afterwards. Saadiya Ahmad learns how we can enjoy the post-wedding festivities and delicious food that comes with it yet still maintain our weight.

ate night eating or overeating at the hotel buffet after your wedding can easily make you regain the weight you worked so hard to shed. Yet Lovely Ranganath, Senior Nutritionist at Healthtrendz meal delivery/ Event & Hospitality Services in Dubai explains that after the wedding, life is going to move at a hectic pace. There are lots of adjustments that need to be undertaken to accommodate the fact that you’ve got to share space with another person, as well as lots of invitations and eating out.

“It could also be the fact that married people may work out less because they’re no longer concerned about looking good enough to attract a mate,” she says. Many women ‘let themselves go’ to the point where their portion sizes begin to mirror their husbands’ portion sizes.

“The feeling of being in love can bring about a change in brain chemistry, so relaxing into a deep attachment to the husband has the effect of increasing oxytocin, the brain chemical that is linked to bonding,” she explains.“Hormones are only part of the picture but the biggest weight gain culprit is the change in lifestyle that happens after marriage.” In fact, the act of balancing ‘me’ time with ‘we’ time is a challenge which can be

tackled with some planning especially for those women who tend to prioritise their relationships over themselves.“For some, the husband himself could be a ‘healthy lifestyle saboteur’, do remember that the average active man’s kcal needs could go up to 3,000 calories a day, compared with an active woman’s 2,200, with his metabolism being 10 to 15 per cent faster, which means he can put away bigger portions and not gain an ounce,” she tells.

Mistakes One common mistake that women make is that they start thinking in the lines of ‘where is the time to think about my health? “Yet healthy behaviors, like nutritious eating and regular physical activity, may help you meet the challenges of your new life,” says Ranganath. Healthy eating and regular exercise may in fact help you feel energised among other things.“These healthy habits may also lower your risk for diseases such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.”

However, dieting is not the answer.

“The best way to keep the lost weight at bay is to eat healthily and be physically active.” Essentially, many young women turn to unhealthy dieting methods to lose weight, including eating very little, cutting out whole groups of foods (like grain products), skipping meals, and fasting. Other weight-loss tactics such as smoking, self-induced vomiting, or using diet pills or laxatives can lead to health problems. Ranganath explains that no

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health

one food plan is magical, and no specific food must be included or avoided. “In fact, unhealthy dieting can actually cause you to gain more weight because it often leads to a cycle of eating very little, then overeating or binge eating,” she says and also, unhealthy dieting can put you at greater risk for emotional problems. “Remember there are no quick fixes; if you see a quick fix promise, always go back to the fundamentals which will never let you down, or they will never lie to you or mislead you,” she stresses.

Goals According to Ranganath, a good goal would be to control your blood sugar since this helps to shed fat which is accomplished by taking in some protein, carbohydrates and good fats spread evenly throughout the day.

“A sample schedule might look like: breakfast – 6:30am / snack – 9:30am / lunch -12:30 / snack – 3:30pm / dinner – 6:00pm / small snack – 9:00pm,” she says, and this method will have a profound impact on fat loss and the calories need to be slightly below maintenance. With a little bit of planning, both the partners could

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make meals which both will enjoy, she tells. “When designing a healthy meal plan, people need only consider foods that they like or can learn to like, that are available, and that are within their means.” Opting a realistic plan which is nutritionally adequate would be the first priority. She advises to invest a few great cook books and search for interesting ideas. Variety is the spice of life so don’t keep doing the same recipes. “Eat from home as often as possible and always have waistfriendly snacks available; think fruits, cut veggies, trail mixes and so on,” she explains.

Eating Out When dining out, something that will most likely occur frequently, Ranganath advises to make a mental note of what you would order. Stick to grilled or baked foods. “Avoid breaded and thick sauce-based dishes. Also it is costeffective to ask for half the portion to be packed, .since restaurant portions are large,” she says. “Choose honeymoon destinations where you can get moving and get yourself committed to engaging in a physical activity you enjoy; for example, a salsa class where the two of

health you could go once a week.” Invest in home exercise equipment, join the gym or continue your friendship with your old pals by joining with them for a run.

Healthy alternatives to the usual ‘sinful’ culprits Instead of cake and pasties, Ranganath suggests ordering mini fruit tarts and fresh fruits. “Instead of ordering fried savories, bear in mind these also taste great when they are baked or grilled, especially when you think of how good they are to reduce your waist line,” she says. Others include substituting frozen yogurt for ice cream while sweetened beverages can be easily replaced with sparkling water with a little fresh fruit juice. “You don’t need to shy away from bread and rice but rather choose the healthier high fibre versions like quinoa, lentils, beans, brown rice, wild rice, whole meal bread, rye bread, and pumpernickel bread. “ Make it a point to satisfy thirst with water as water fills the stomach between meals and dilutes the metabolic wastes generated from the breakdown of fat,” she says, and it meets the water need that was formerly met by eating extra food. Avoiding stimulants and depressants will help to maximise your available energy for life and to retain energy rather than burning out. “Coffee, tea and chocolate are best omitted from the diet since even decaffeinated coffee and tea still contain stimulants,” she explains. Instead, make use of coffee alternatives and herb and fruit teas but check the label for hidden sugars. Also have one tablespoon of ground seeds or cold pressed seed oil. Eat dark green leafy and root vegetables such as watercress, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach, green beans, peas and peppers. “Avoid fried, burnt food and also hydrogenated fat and excess animal fat,” she says, and be sure to take supplements which will be beneficial include -multivitamin and mineral, vitamin C and essential omega 3 and 6.

You build your body and your mind simultaneously. You’ll read a lot about the new magic workout, the new magic diet, the machine that’s sure to burn fat off your stomach, etc. It’s all a bunch of nonsense. It is a good idea to talk to a dietician/nutritionist who will be able to offer practical tools that you can use in your everyday life, help you set realistic goals, identify your barriers among other things.

Final Words Ranganath urges to remember that you can do it.“ Stay positive and focused by remembering why you wanted to be healthier – to look, feel, move better,” she says. It’s about doing the right thing: one day of discipline leading to another day of discipline.

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wellness feature

e m o t i o n a g l l y a n d m n e n t a l i l y t t Ge eady r the for

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B ig Day

wellness feature From frayed nerves and agitation to downright tension – a wedding can be all of that and more.

Saadiya Ahmad discovers that being ready for your big day goes beyond just looking beautiful but actually encompasses all aspects of being emotionally and mentally prepared for your big day.

A

yesha from Dubai got married two months back and says she was so busy for six months leading up to the wedding, she neglected herself in every way.“I was doing all of the right things I suppose. I went to the gym, was looking in on the small details; the venue and the dress.

I had also booked my favourite spa. But something was missing and as my big day approached, instead of feeling as good as I looked, I felt frazzled and to be honest, just wanted the entire thing to be over...Is this normal?” she asks.

Reasons Ayesha is definitely not alone as Dr. Saliha Afridi, Clinical Psychologist and Managing Director of the LightHouse Arabia: Community Psychology Clinic in Dubai says there are some very valid reasons that may make a woman feel nervous or apprehensive before her wedding.“This can be summed up as ‘many years of hopes and desires in six hours’; your big day is a very special day and many women have looked forward to this day for twenty plus years,” she says and in fact, the pressure of wanting everything to be perfect can result in a lot of stress.”Another potentially stressful factor is that marriage is a lifelong commitment and often thinking about the lifelong commitment can be stressful,” she says, as when we say yes to something, we are also saying no to everything else. That can create some anxiety and stress in people. Another stress factor is the merging of families; “The idea of merging families can be very stressful for most brides as the pressures of in-law relationships can come to head during the wedding preparation where

the groom’s side is just as excited and wants involvement in the wedding day as the bride’s side,” she says, and this can cause some major clashes during wedding preparations and after wedding.

Emotional Roller Coaster Dr. Afridi asserts that quite often, it is not possible to separate the emotional

from the mental issues.“Planning a wedding requires a lot of organisation and thought which is mental. It requires one to juggle their day to day life while managing a once in a lifetime project which again is mental. Also, lots of emotions are at a high for both the bride and groom’s side of the family – all this will undoubtedly put a lot of pressure

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wellness their wealth or status. “However, this puts a lot of pressure on those who are not as wealthy or as fortunate to save to have the ‘ultimate’ wedding,” she says. Furthermore, young girls are also exposed, through cartoons, and other media, to messages of the ‘dream’ wedding that all women aspire.

Final Words While planning the wedding, Dr. Afridi advises not to lose sight of the marriage. “Too often we get so wrapped up in getting married that we make shotgun decisions based only on one day,” she says, and women often marry quickly, and not consider the big-picture when saying yes to a partner.

Signs According to Dr. Afridi, many women marry men for the ‘man he can be’ rather than the ‘man he is’.“Many times women will tell me after their divorce that they had an intuition that something wasn’t right before the marriage, but they ignored it because they thought it would resolve itself.” But the reality is that it will not.“Sometimes people in love might not see the true form of their partner, so it’s important to hear friends and family take on your relationship,” she says and in the best case scenario, the best engagement gift one can give themselves or their family and friends is pre-marital counselling.

“In some countries they won’t give couples a license to marry unless they get at least six sessions of pre-marital counselling.”This time can be used to

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discuss difficult issues such as finances, and relationship with in-laws as well as skill building which translates to improving communication and conflict resolution.

Super Stressful Dr. Afridi affirms that the pressures of a perfect wedding have existed long before our time but the stakes seem to be much higher these days.

“It has become more and more of global phenomena; just as other major holidays and festivities, I believe the wedding has also lost its meaning and has become a production.” It has become more of a status symbol and less about a union of families. It is one way people can showcase and display

• • • •

•

Drink lots of water and try and eat a healthy diet prior to your wedding Make a list of things you want to achieve before the big day, it will help you stay focused Pamper yourself – treating yourself to a spa day will not only relax you but also put a smile on your face Talk about how you feel to your friends or family members – talking gets issues out of your system, and its nice to get some advice from people who know you Try not to stress about the little things. Make a list of things that make you happy - positive thoughts can only be good for you

Credit: Dr. Saliha Afridi

and create a lot of stress for the bride (emotional).” She advises that one thing that the bride can do is build a good support system of friends and family that will help her execute some of the projects.“In western tradition, this was referred to as the ‘bride’s maids’ but it can be more than just friends and family to include mothers, aunts and so forth.

It is really important that the families realise that this is a time of great internal and external stress for the bride and groom and if they can be helpful by making themselves available for errand delegation and execution of different projects, it will be a source of great support for the bride.” However, keep your opinions and advice to yourself unless specifically asked for it.

Tips to help de-stress, relax and get into the spirit of the wedding

The spell This is one of the most important days in the life of every woman, a day they’ve dreamt about since childhood. And the most important thing in the list of pre-wedding deals: preparing your skin for this big day.

The first step is – cleansing.

You have to clean the skin every day in the morning and in the evening. Depends on your skin type you have to use Fresh clarifying foaming gel, a soft and melting gel for in-depth cleansing for combination and oily skin, which contains revitalizing and moistening ingredients that exert a gentle action on even the most delicate skins. Rapidly eliminates impurities, make-up and excess sebum without drying out the epidermis. It leaves the skin soft, perfectly purified with a pleasant feeling of well-being.

Or Soothing milk cleanser, rich cleansing emulsion for an in-depth cleansing of all skin types, even the most delicate. Contains cleansing and moistening agents that act gently and efficiently. Rapidly removes impurities and make-up without harming the skin. Leaves the skin soft and supple, perfectly purified.

After clean the skin, don’t forget to use Revitalizing Tonic Lotion, this revitalizing and balancing fluid lotion completes the cleaning process and prepares the skin to receive the full benefits of the following skin-care.

Purifies, tones and stimulates the skin’s natural functions, making it more luminous.

For complete cleaning do not forget to use once a week Vital refining exfoliator, an essential exfoliating treatment for an in-depth smoothing and cleansing of all skin

types, formulated with substances that delicately exfoliate the cutaneous surface without damaging it. It rids the epidermis of the impurities and dead cells that dull the skin stimulates the cell renewal process and the oxygenation of the tissues. Gives the skin softness, velvetiness and transparency.

The second step is nourishing and moisturizing.

The best way to nourish the skin is to use Repairing Nutritive Night Cream, an essential nourishing night care for all skin types. Contains an exclusive cocktail of ingredients with moisturizing, invigorating and energising virtues that help tone down the visible signs of skin ageing, protects the natural cutaneous balance and actively fights the free radicals generated by sun rays, stress, climatic and polluting agents.

Confers velvetiness and comfort to the skin while restoring its beauty and illuminating the complexion. During the day use Multi-Active Essential Day Cream SPF 15, an essential protective day care for all skin types. Thanks to its protective power against damaging rays, it effectively prevents dehydration, premature skin ageing and the appearance of unaesthetic cutaneous marks caused by the sun. In addition,

it diffuses ingredients with moisturizing, regenerating and structuring virtues that take part in the cellular renewal by preventing the development of wrinkles. Improves the skin’s texture and illuminates the complexion.

Also you have not to forget about your eyes. So, use Vitality-Care Eye Cream, an essential cream to preserve the beauty of the eyes, thanks to the benefits it bestows on the delicate eye contour area. With its regenerating, moisturizing and structuring substances, it actively takes part in the prevention of skin ageing, dehydration, loss of suppleness and of cutaneous elasticity.

It tones the epidermis, refines the microrelief, smoothes fine lines and prevents their formation. Gives the skin transparency and radiance.

There is some tips for prepare your skin for the wedding make-up on the wedding-day. Don’t use masks and scrubs in the wedding-day and don’t do eyebrow correction. Remember, that a good make-up depends on the condition of the skin. If you care about your skin cautiously, the result will appear. The skin will be clean, without irritations and expanded pores. It is obligatory to moisturize the face and eye skin no less than 30 minutes before make-up. And, of course, finalize the skin preparation before make-up putting on it Refining Serene Make-Up Base, an excellent basis for make-up for all skin types. Smoothes the microrelief and redefines the skin grain by bringing vitality and moisturizing to the top layers of the epidermis. Improves the staying power of make-up while bestowing a lasting and even mat complexion.

Now, you are prepared for the happiest day of your life. And, of course, expect all eyes to be on you on this Big day.

EXCLUSIVE

That

body

you want‌

All the planning in the world will count for nothing if you’re not happy with the way you look on your big day. Looking lean and exquisite is a dream for many, and it takes proper planning to reach your goal. Fitness guru Linda Chambers tells us more.

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EXCLUSIVE

What is the current fitness trend that women are going for?

I feel that right now there is a big demand for Barre and ballet inspired Classes.

As we know, Yoga is always popular, and especially Bikram Yoga. But I’ve also noticed that recently, the amount of women taking part in high-intensity workouts like Crossfit has increased a lot.

What determines these trends?

I think whatever the hottest celebrities are currently doing seems to have an influence on what a lot of women will go and try.

Also, the hugely successful gym chains in the US like Equinox, 24hr Fitness, etc. tend to have a large impact on what other gyms around the world will add to their fitness schedules, and also magazines have a huge part in what consumers are doing, whatever ‘the hottest workout of the year’ is, most of us will give it a try.

If you are reading about something that promises results without hard work and good nutrition, chances are it’s probably a gimmick so you should give it a miss; there are no shortcuts to a great body.

of the traditional hard work?

Well I would say that there is nothing that can replace traditional hard work.

However, there are some things that can help you stay on track. It seems that everyone has a smartphone these days and there are lots of apps that can help you stay on top of things like your fitness and nutrition. I really like the myfitnesspal app, it’s a great way to track what you are eating and to ensure that you are on track with your nutrition. For my own workouts, I like to use the tabata pro app which is great for doing workouts that are timed, you can program the work and rest periods and how many rounds or sets.

Fitness for beauty, or for health? Which is more important?

If you keep in shape with the goal to be healthy (wellness), then the beauty (fitness) will take care of itself. Eating

What are women most concerned about when they turn to you for fitness advice?

There are a few, the most common are not ‘getting bulky’, and getting rid of fat from the problem areas such as the love handles, bingo wings, reducing cellulite and shrinking the pot belly. A lot of women are also now coming to me wanting to change their behavior and attitude towards fitness and nutrition too, which is great, as this is one of the most important things to focus on.

Fitness gimmicks – what should women be aware of?

If you are reading about something that promises results without hard work and good nutrition, chances are it’s probably a gimmick so you should give it a miss; there are no short-cuts to a great body.

Any technological advancements or tools that women can avail of, instead

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EXCLUSIVE well and training smart will give you a radiating glow of healthiness that is very hard to fake. A lot of diets and exercise programs that promise ‘ultra-lean physiques’ and ‘shred fat fast’ are only concerned with that short-term goal and can often lead to metabolic damage and rapid weight gain after you reach your goal weight, this is the eternal struggle of yo-yo dieting and exercise. It’s always good to remember that fitness and wellness are two very different things; focus on complete wellness and your fitness will take care of itself. A lot of women confuse these two things and end up really unhealthy or rebounding between under and overweight.

Are there any mindsets about fitness that women need to change?

YES! Here’s my top 3: 1. Not sweating! Sweating is SO good for you; it’s your body’s way of thermoregulation (controlling your body temperature) and it’s GREAT for your skin as it helps to flush out toxins that can block pores and cause nasty breakouts.

Sweating is a great way for your body’s largest organ (your skin) to stay healthy, so embrace the healthy shine of liquid awesome on your skin.

2. Lifting weights will make you bulky; this is not the case. Lifting weights will increase your metabolic rate (the rate at which you burn calories) meaning you will potentially burn fat at a quicker rate than when doing traditional ‘cardio’ for example.

3. Long bouts of cardio are great for burning fat. This is not entirely true. Short, intense sessions have been shown to burn more fat and in a much shorter amount of time, as well as having a ton of other benefits. So ditch the 60 minutes on the cross trainer and try 20-30 minutes of interval training or circuit training instead.

Talking specifically about bridal fitness, what are the top requests?

People generally want to lose fat to fit into the dream dress; they want to focus on toning their arms and upper back, as well as decreasing the size of their waist. It’s a very aesthetic goal usually; it’s all about looking jaw-dropping on the day.

Are the expectations by brides realistic?

That really depends on how much work you have to do to reach your goal. This is a really important part of the process, as an unachievable goal is not good for the trainer or future bride. Setting realistic goals with your trainer is fundamentally important to your success.

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Could you comment on body shapes and how brides should understand what is within their reach and what is not.

Well there are many different body shapes and sizes, but the most important thing to remember is that anything is possible, given the right amount of dedication, hard work and perseverance…along with the adequate amount of time too.

What is the best way to get that great figure for the wedding?

Adherence! Sticking to your training and nutrition plan should get you into GREAT shape for your wedding.

Employing a trainer is a very difficult decision, so ‘shop around’ and ask for testimonials/referrals/etc, this way you can be confident in your trainers experience and ability to help you.

Post-wedding, how can the brides maintain her form and figure?

Ideally, if the goal is correct and realistic, then post-wedding should just be a case of maintaining your new amazing physique, or even better, set a new goal to achieve that will challenge you in another way.

How can the groom be a part of the bride’s fitness journey and goals?

The groom must support you on this journey. They can do this by embarking on their own fitness journey or simply by supporting you at home by eating well and taking an interest in your journey.

Linda Chambers Half-British, half-Saudi Linda Chambers was raised mostly in the UAE and has been in the industry for 14 years. It started out as a hobby but her passion for working out took it to the next level and she became a certified Personal Trainer. Going even further, she became a Master Trainer and Educator for other Trainers or individuals that would like to enter the world of Fitness.

She had the honour of presenting on a Les Mills DVD that went to all the instructors around the globe in 2011 and have trained thousands of trainers and instructors in the region.

As well as personal training, Linda teaches group classes, everything from Les Mills Classes, TRX, Yoga, Pilates to CROSSFIT. She has worked all around the world, from the UAE to the UK, as well as Australia and India.

Aside from fitness I am a fashion-o-holic. I will soon be starting the 1st fitness fashion blog in the region as part of my site www.lichifitness.com. This will feature trends for gym wear, functionality and wears from around the globe. My final addiction is chocolate; YES I AM HUMAN AND A WOMAN. Everything in moderation because you only live once!

!BU $HABI -ALL s !L 7AHDA -ALL s "URJUMAN s -ERCATO s -IRDIF #ITY #ENTRE s $EIRA #ITY #ENTRE s -ALL OF THE %MIRATES s 4HE $UBAI -ALL

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TOYS s APPAREL s ACCESSORIES s STATIONERY

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Be a C onfident

Bride

Getting married can be the most joyous occasion in any women’s life but at the same time, can be the most nerve wracking. Saadiya Ahmad speaks to experts who reveal the secrets of staying confident and self-assured for the big day...

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hen Lisa was getting married, she admits that her initial excitement and mood fizzled out to stress and anxiety, ultimately ruining her big day.“I had a tremendous amount of anxiety. I was trying to make the day as perfect as possible; from the flowers to the music and my dress. But when the day finally came, I looked tired, felt stressed and was so burned out that I barely remember the day itself...”

Expectations According to Clinical Psychologist Devika Singh at the Dubai Herbal and Treatment Center, for most brides, the wedding day is seen as one of the most significant life events which essentially means that expectations around the event are high.

“The pressure for success increases when an event is infrequent, as is the case with a wedding,” she says and the need for the ‘perfect wedding’ often means the bride and others involved in the wedding can be hyper-focused on the details which can distract from the overall experience.

“With hyper-focus comes the potential for rigidity and anxiety when something doesn’t measure up exactly as expected,” she says. Further elaborating, Joelle Clute, Wedding Blogger and Stylist at www. mylovelywedding.com points out that most brides will feel the pressure to look their best on their wedding day.“The pressure of losing weight and having glowing skin are just two of the things that a bride-to-be will be worrying about,” she says.“And while it’s natural to want to feel amazing for your wedding day, but I do think that some brides can take it too far.” Clute emphasises that on your wedding day, you should look like yourself, just the most beautiful version of yourself.

Why Relax Why is it important for a bride-to-be to stay self-assured and confident for her day? Singh explains that confidence sends out the message that you believe everything is going to be okay, that you trust that even if the details don’t correspond with your expectations, you will be happy because you trust in the overall experience and not every little detail.“This mantra helps many brides manage their anxiety around the wedding planning process and the wedding day,”

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she says.“What’s interesting is that at most weddings, apart from the bride and perhaps the wedding planners, no one really knows if something didn’t match the original plan and this can put things into perspective for the bride.” If no one else really notices, or knows it should be any different, then does it really make such a difference?

something more serious, elaborates Singh, is when a bride starts to lose interest in her wedding day. This could indicate she is overwhelmed or experiencing a depressive episode. This emotional state could manifest as anger or anxiety and could affect the whole process of wedding planning and the experience on the wedding day.

Red Flags Some red flags that her dipping confidence may be going towards

Advice Prior To the Wedding Firstly, Singh advises to delegate as much as you can.“This will give you time to

feature focus on what matters most, which is yourself,” she says. “Another tip to remember is not to let the basics slip away,” she says, therefore food, sleep and exercise are irreplaceable building blocks for looking and feeling good.

“Also remember that although it can feel very stressful, this is an opportunity to problem solve together,” she says.

“Don’t let the circumstances bring you up against each other because you have a common goal; you both want the same outcome – a joyous wedding.”

Take turns soothing each other if you see your partner upset. Assurance goes a long way during high-stress situations.

Clute adds that planning a wedding is stressful, which is why lots of brides hire planners to help them organise their big day. “If you’re going about the event alone then you’ll soon realise that it involves lots of hard work,” she says.

“Try to delegate where possible and try not to get too stressed with the details; remember to ask for help when you need it.” If you’re worried about how you’ll look on the big day, then hire professionals, like make-up artists and a hair stylist.

Tips For the Big Day Itself Singh advises to remind yourself that this is one of the most difficult days for

most couples and families. “Weddings are difficult for two reasons: one is that the expectations around the event are high, and secondly, a wedding represents a new life together with a significant upcoming transition; this idea can take some getting used to.”

Also for some people, a wedding can trigger very happy emotions while for others, it can trigger negative emotions and memories. These can sometimes be displaced onto you and your wedding day. “While we all know this is not fair, it can happen and remember that it is not about you,” she says. You should also manage your expectations.

“There is no such thing as ‘The Perfect Wedding’ because there is no such thing as perfect,” she stresses. “Some things may not go as planned so try to think of the things that have gone as planned.”

Also bear in mind that this is your day. “Many brides and grooms don’t remember their big day because they are too caught up in how everyone else is enjoying the day,” she says, therefore try to trust that if everyone has a role and task delegated, they will do it.

Some things are out of your control but enjoying the day is within your control.

“And finally, think beyond today; a wedding party symbolises one of the most important decisions you will ever

make,” she says. “This day and the party is incidental to the decision to spend the rest of your life with your fiancé – bring your focus back to the decision, not just the party.”

Further elaborating, Clute says that on the morning of your wedding, you will feel nervous, excited and maybe even emotional. “These feelings are all natural and it’s important to try and relax and just enjoy the day,” she says.

“If you worry too much about the title details – and turn into a bridezilla – then you won’t enjoy your day.” She advises to try and relax and go with the flow. It’s your wedding day, and it will be special because you’ll be surrounded by all your favourite people.

More practical tips for ‘the’ day • • •

Drink lots of water and eat something before you start the day. It will help with the nerves too.

Leave all the details to the professionals or even friends if you don’t have a wedding planner.

On your wedding day stop worrying and have fun – after all you’re marrying the love of your life, nothing else really matters

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Bride’s Dream 56

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Enter the timeless threshold in majestic grandiose. Take the centre stage in decadent style with exceptional pieces from the extraordinarily stunning Michael Cinco Fall/Winter 2013 bridal collection titled “The Impalpable Dream of Versailles�. From the classic allure of long sleeved frock to the voguish beauty of detailed back, the smashing regal fashion promises a magnificent start to the dream of eternal bliss.

Photographer: Tijal Patni Hair and Make-up: Jessie Tabla Set and Props: Andy Del Rosario Special thanks to HESSA BOURQUIBA

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Show off a conventional style in sheer long-sleeved glamour fit for a royal bride 58

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Shine bright, and fetch jealous stares with the sexy elegance of multi-layered f loor-sweeping train 59

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Be the impeccable vision of beauty in this shoulder baring, highly

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crystallized number paired with lace-bottomed veil and princess tiara

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Channel the craze of sensual back detail in utter sophistication 62

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Bid singlehood good bye with couture glamour of this incredibly fabulous long-trained gown 64

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Jewellery

The Wedding

Bling

Finding the timeless piece that commemorates the exquisite joy of wedded bliss is as essential as every element of embracing a couple’s future together. The rings symbolise the love that is wished for eternity.

The jewels, oh well, dazzle and adds to the glittering and stunning beautiful bride – and they become family heirlooms. Here’s a view of some of the most remarkable jewelleries from some of the most brilliant makers of bridal collections.

BVLGARI: Eternal Promise

Eternity Bands Eternity Bands epitomise Bulgari’s mastery with diamonds. Each ring can be worn on its own or stacked with other rings for a dramatic look that tells a story.

Solitaire 1895 A historical solitaire dating from the late 19th century, whose exemplary simplicity is destined to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime oath, to seal the eternity of a message of love. It can go together with Ballerine wedding ring like a match made in heaven, a wedding ring and solitaire duo.

1503 The 1503 ring, named for the year in which the first engagement ring was exchanged in Venice, features a solitaire diamond set against a fine pave.

Cartier’s Bridal Collections

Griffe Collection This collection embraces an assortment of white gold and diamond stud earrings, pendants and tennis bracelets.

Solitaire Cartier Destinée It’s a solitaire in the grand tradition, exalting an exceptional diamond, a full-blossom stone with a delicate halo of brilliant-cut diamonds. Cartier Destinée is also the latest engagement ring in the Set for You by Cartier collection, a dream piece of jewellery, a piece that can be designed and altered according to the desired number of carats – from 0.50 to 2.99 – with the stone chosen for its clarity, its colour, its cut.

Wedding rings For him, for her, the symbols of an engagement bonded in creative complicity by Cartier, with the latest signature solitaire and its matching wedding ring.

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Jewellery Belle by Harry Winston Named in homage to the estate that started it all, Belle by Harry Winston pays tribute to the brand’s enduring love affair with brilliant jewels and commitment to the highest quality craftsmanship and design through a line of exquisite engagement rings, wedding bands, pendants and earrings.

Van Cleef & Arpels

Snowflake bracelet This bracelet is divided into intricate segments of platinum with a hidden clasp, set with round diamonds.

Snowflake necklace Set with diamonds, this elegant necklace is composed of platinum divided into intricate segments with a hidden clasp.

Snowflake 2 flowers ring This ring is composed of two intertwined diamond flowers set in platinum.

Tiffany Diamond Fringe Necklace With round and baguette diamonds in platinum, from the 2013 Blue Book collection.

Tiffany & Co

Tiffany Diamond Earrings With pear-shape, cushion cut and round diamonds in platinum, from the 2013 Blue Book collection

Tiffany Bezet Diamond Rings Tiffany rings in platinum, in heart, round, pear, band and princess themes.

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Accessories

Complete your

Complement your beautiful dress with these dazzling accessories to really be the princess you’ve always dreamt of being.

P hones

Stay connected with those who matter on your special day

Watches

You wouldn’t want to hold the party up do you? So be on time, everytime, with these classy timepieces

Jaeger-LeCoultre Radiating ultimate aesthetic appeal and supreme elegance, JaegerLeCoultre’s creations unite the twin arts of exceptional watchmaking and fine jewellery, all while engaged in a perpetual quest to strike the perfect balance between beauty, refinement and telling the time.

Hermès The famous Hermès ‘H’ emblem was introduced to the acclaimed Maison’s watches in 1996. The Heure H in rose gold set with diamonds is a stunning piece within this growing family of watches, and epitomises Hermès’ values of fine craftsmanship. The piece has a 26mm case set with 72 dazzling diamonds of over 1 carat

Vertu Set in the finest calf leather, and featuring embossed detail on the grain, the Vertu Ti boasts a sapphire crystal screen. Each Vertu Ti is handmade in England by a single craftsman and upon completion of a rigorous testing and detailing process, the signature of the craftsman who assembled it is engraved on the inside of the phone, making it truly one of a kind.

Deesse Handbags Deesse Handbags, designed by Dina Tahan, have updated the handbag design aesthetic through contemporary edginess combined with timeless cues. Set apart by their principal motifs of edginess without being overtly funky, Dina’s clever use of metal embellishments and trimmings make them eye-catching while ingenious contemporary twists on classic designs pay tribute to contemporary female lifestyles.

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Bags

Keep up with the new age vibe and add some funk to your outfit with these unorthodox bags

Accessories

Shoes

H

ua te

c out ure jewe l ler y

What better way to accessorize yourself on your wedding day but in true haute couture fashion? From the dress to jewellery, brides have the option to go for one-of-akind jewellery pieces from Gilan. Known by its Istanbul heritage, the stunning bridal pieces by the jewellery company is now making headlines in the style front. Always on the fashion radar, Gilan has adorned celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Lucy Liu, Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek.

Pretty inside and out

Complete your feminine allure during your day with pretty lingerie. Boasting femininity all over, the pieces you should choose should be a perfect fit to your body – so make sure you get the sizes right. Take a look at the remarkable bridal collections of two leading brands in lingerie set, Chantelle and Passionata. With these undergarments, you’ll feel more confident than ever.

If style beats comfort for you, then this pair of shoes is definitely your thing

Alberto Moretti This is the one. For you and your groom. The world’s first exclusive 24-carat gold velvet shoe.

Enough said!

Shade

Put on a cool pair of shades to keep the glare of the sun, or the camera flashes, at bay

Flowers

by Bliss Beautiful bouquets of exquisite floral are the perfect adornment to the already stunning ensemble donned by the bride. May it be used for tossing or photo opportunity the bouquet is an important detail to the big day. Here in the emirates, the best floral arrangements are creatively delivered by Bliss Dubai. With boutiques in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Bliss has a team of highly skilled florists able to draw trendy, luxurious blooms.

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BRIDAL CAKES

… e k a c r u o Have y

and eat it too One of the centerpieces of any wedding, the wedding cake provides an opportunity for the couple to be creative, to show off their personality, or simply to display their elegance and class.

ChoC o’a

Unique and artistic define ChoCo’a’s wedding section. ChoCo’a will add a touch of your individuality to complement your special day with customised designed chocolate arrangements, souvenirs, give-aways and first-class wedding cakes to suit your dream wedding.

With 18 years of experience, cake designer Raymonda Saadeh has taken ChoCo’a to a new and unprecedented level of design and creativity.

Dream it, describe it and I will create it.

We want to ensure your cake tastes as amazing as it looks.

Cakes ‘n’ Bakes

Cakes ‘n’ Bakes specialises in creating exquisite and distinctive wedding cakes by working closely with brides and grooms from their initial consultation to the personalised service of setup and delivery. Their speciality lies in their beautiful handmade sugar flowers and customised bride and groom toppers.

Email: info@cakesnbakesdubai.com Tel: 04-4542287/0552682770/0507700276

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Email: boutique@chocoa.ae Tel: 04-3409092

BRIDAL CAKES Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery offers beautiful and memorable wedding desserts to create a stunning spread to mark the unforgettable occasion.

Sugaholic Sugaholic concentrates on providing unique wedding cakes to clients, the types which are not common in this part of the world, like wedding cupcake towers with small cakes, funny wedding cakes and wedding cakes that match the personality of the couple. FFounded in 2010 to raise funds at a bakesale for sponsoring a child’s education back in India. encouraging response from family, friends and well wishers prompted sisters Sneha and Ravisha bhatia to give up their banking careers and follow their passion to spread happiness and joy mixed with the sweetness of their cakes.

We focus more on that which gives the cake more personalisation.

A contemporary twist to the traditional tiered wedding cake, the deconstructed wedding cake is a beautiful way to add personality to your dessert table. Couples can choose from a variety of flavours and colours which are laid out to transform your wedding cake into an edible arrangement of delectable desserts.

Adjustable to match the size of your wedding, Magnolia Bakery offers a beautiful selection of metal and cardboard cupcake trees that can be decorated with ribbons, pearl pins, fresh or silk flowers; all of which can be customised to match your colour palette and theme.

Email: magnoliabakery@ bloomingdales.ae Tel: 04-3505440.

Email: info@sugaholic.com Tel: 04-3579333

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Bridal Look Photographer: Butch Delatina (www.butchworx.com) Model: Lumi Light Hair & Make-up: Ivy Kep Peralta Photography Assistant: Darwin Tiambeng Bridal Gown: Rami Al Ali Florist: Bliss Dubai

Beauty & Bride Highlight your natural allure on your big day wit h these beauty tips and trends

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Bridal Look

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Bridal Look Sophisticated Glam Be picture perfect in a shoulder-exposed longsleeved ethereal Rami Al Ali bridal dress adorned wit h flowers by Bliss Dubai.

Add more drama by creating a glamorous make-up wit hout straying from feminine sophistication.

Complete the look wit h bit smoky eyes teamed wit h sugar-pink lips and smooth, even all-over skin colour.

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Bridal Look

Beauty Tip: ‘The’ wedding day is an occasion that will be remembered throughout your life.

Thus, you should not wear make-up that’s totally different from what you’d usually have on – you want to be photographed looking effortlessly like you.

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Bridal Look Go for pink. That’s the trend this season, anyway. To really pull your sweet and dainty look together, opt for a natural pink blush colour and apply to the apples of the cheeks and the eyelids, plumping for a complementary pink lip colour.

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Bridal Look

Sweet and Slick A slick up-do is the usual hairstyle for brides. But don’t be afraid to play wit h the classic look by creating hoops around like floral petals. Glam it up by using big, fluttery lashes that last all night – apply a lash primer to build volume before coating on super dark mascara.

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Bridal Gowns

Star of the show

The bridal gown; the single most important item in the eyes of most brides.

It could even be said that some weddings have hinged their success solely on the dress.

So choose wisely. Here are a few of our choices to help you get started.

C ontessa

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for your wedding dress, Contessa might just be the place to be. With gowns from celebrated design houses like Ersa Atelier to wedding dress extraodinaire Justin Alexander, Contessa will help you pick out that perfect dress. Also, by working with a number of emerging designers, they have hand-picked a wide ranging collection, from the simple and understated to the most unreservedly extravagant dresses. Need more? They also have an amazing selection of bridal accessories, and shoes, which complement their collection beautifully.

Contessa Boutique – JLT Cluster X Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower, Suite 110 Tel: +971 (4)3649280 | www.Contessa.ae

Justin Alexander wedding dresses feature classic silhouettes with a unique and modern approach. The chic designs are inspired by the ‘20s and ‘50s fashion. Each design in the collection is meticulously designed to ensure that all brides wear a masterpiece on their wedding day.

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Bridal Gowns

Ersa Atelier is the brainchild of twin sisters, Cristina & Gabriela Antonescu. Each and every bridal dress created in Ersa Atelier reveals variety and symbiosis. And when everything is perfect, they add just a twist of magic to make it all the more extraordinary.

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Bridal Gowns

Jasmine Couture’s team of designers spans the world in their experience and brings their skills exclusively to you through Jasmine. Their designs are then painstakingly assembled. Individual seamstresses make each gown and pride themselves on the elegance and artistry of hand-sewn beadwork and trim. What you get is only the highest level of quality and design in all of our gowns, with a fit that makes every woman look and feel beautiful.

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Bridal Gowns

Elizabeth Di Naya For more than 25 years in the bridal fashion industry in New York, Elizabeth Di Naya customises wedding gowns and bridal veils. Each bridal gown is carefully tailored and designed to complement all sizes and figures. The gowns’ fabrics, luxurious lace, beading and embroidery are hand selected in order for all brides to wear the highest quality. Every Elizabeth Di Naya creation is an enchanting story of its own.

Bridal Atelier: +971(4)3809092 Bridal Cell: +971(56)6052693 www.elizabethdinayabridals.com

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Bridal Gowns

Susanna Rachel

British couture designer Susanna Rachel designs luxury bespoke wedding dresses. Priding herself in designing and creating all her gowns by hand from her inhouse design studio. She uses traditional English couture methods of pattern cutting and design to ensure each of her gowns of the highest quality and perfect fit.

Telephone: +971 (5)52948760 Email: info@susannarachel.com www.susannarachel.com

The brides and I choose every design detail together from shape and silhouette to fabrics and embellishments. I source fabrics from around the world, including delicate French laces from Paris to ensure each of my gowns are made from the finest materials. The result is a custom made one off design which the bride has played an integral role in designing and creating. As a small token I gift my brides the original canvas sketch of their dress as a memory of what they were involved in.

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Honeymoon

s l e v a r t e v L When all the big day’s hiatus is over, take time to unwind, and experience magic and love in these dreamy places. You need this much-deserved vacation before you step afoot in the reality of wedded life.

St. Moritz (Switzerland)

From brunching at the Alpine Cheese Diary in Morteratsch and mountain dining at Muottas Muragl to boating on Lake Sils and riding horse carriage along the river course, the journey to the famous St. Moritz is a wish-come-true for the just-married pairs. Offering a number of luxurious spots and remarkable packages to choose from, The Badrutt’s Palace, Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, Carlton Hotel, Giardino Mountain and Kulm Hotel St. Moritz are some of the best places to stay while on getaway.

Laucala Island (Fiji)

Laucala Island is the perfect antidote for marital bliss and is best summed up by the Fijian folk song that greets its guests ‘Bua nanuma na nodatu Lassa’, which translates as ‘beautiful moments that last for eternity’. Offering a beautiful wedding chapel, 5-star Plantation House Restaurant and palatial private residences, all set against a backdrop of manicured coconut palms and endless Pacific-blue Ocean, Laucala has been designed with celebrations of love in mind.

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Honeymoon Koh Samui (Thailand))

The natural charm of this stunning island is present in pristine sand beaches, clear waters, gentle ocean breeze and tropical gardens. About eighty minutes flight from the bustling Bangkok, this is a captivating option for honeymooners.

Where to stay? Check out the Amari Palm Reef Koh Samui, a popular destination famous for its down-to-earth vibe and Asian flair.

Paris (France)

A classic choice, Paris embodies a city buzzing with passion and love, culture and modernity. Here, the lovebirds would find the bests in sightseeing, culture, history, shopping, and eating even. With a splashing of luxurious and stylish options to stay in, Paris boasts accommodations perfect for honeymoons. One of many is the Mandarin Oriental, Paris which offers modern vibe infused with subtle air of exoticism and romance, making every stay a singular experience.

El Nido (P hilippines)

A perfect escape to the South East, this island is always a sensational hit among newly weds. Offering a gorgeous backdrop, El Nido’s lavish natural beauty is indeed an excellent choice for dreamy destination. Located at the northernmost part of its mother island, Palawan, this flawless haven hosts a number of luxurious hotels and resorts, further offering much-demanded privacy whilst on honeymoon.

Zanzibar (Tanzania)

Opt for an exotic getaway in this beautiful island of Zanzibar.

Giving breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the island boasts magical greenery, natural coral reef and endless sand beaches. Perfect spot to stay in here is the MeliĂĄ Zanzibar that offers a range of activities and historical excursions for the more adventurous and the luxurious Anantara Spa for those seeking pampering. The hotel also has a plethora of delightful restaurants to complete the honeymoon.

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Honeymoon Dubai (UAE)

The city vibe of Dubai may not appeal for downtime lovers but this bustling cosmopolitan choice has the most amazing luxurious delights in offer. The seven-star hotel Burj Al Arab has been a famous destination for lovebirds seeking pure indulgence. Decadence in every form indeed awaits couples that opt for the ultimate time of celebrating their love in the world’s most luxurious hotel.

P lanning your first trip as married couple? Take a look at these exciting offers…

Angsana Velavaru

The Maldives is one of the top wedding destinations of choice for many couples, but for some the exotic beach wedding is an unfulfilled dream. Angsana Velavaru, a stylish and contemporary resort situated in the South Nilandhe Atolls, is offering engaged couples a complimentary dream wedding to be celebrated in its beachfront pavilion with sweeping views of the ocean. The only commitment required from each couple for the complimentary wedding service is a five night booking at the resort. The Wedding Experience offers the assistance of Angsana Velavaru’s wedding planner to design a carefully crafted Maldivian wedding celebration, with the traditional Maldivian drummers (bodhu beru) being a popular favourite. The Wedding Experience is valid for bookings in all villa categories at Angsana Velavaru and valid from now till 30 April 2014. Terms and conditions apply. Quote booking code “Wedding EXP” when making the reservation.

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Escape to the secluded and undeniably romantic destination of Six Senses Zighy Bay and spoil your special someone for a once-in-alifetime holiday with an award wining private villa, equipped with your own private outdoor pool. Guests who stay for three nights or more during their Honeymoon will receive a blissful Six Senses Spa treatment plus a romantic dinner for two to enhance those special memories. T&Cs apply, valid until 30 November 2013.

Shanti Maurice

The blissful days, lively nights and round-the-clock romance of Shanti Maurice combine to create a magical start to married life.

The Honeymoon in Mauritius offer includes 50% discount on accommodation in any Suite/Villa category, an unforgettable candlelit dinner to mark this wonderful occasion, plus to indulge your senses, enjoy the complimentary Pranay Ritual and HoneyMoon petal bath to create just-married moments and beautiful memories.

T&Cs apply, valid all year round, except peak season.

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Travel and Lifestyle

Step out of your comfort zone, do new things, meet new people, have new adventures. Shock yourself,... and grow from the experiences.

dine out

This is

Africa Tucked away in a corner at Soul Al Bahar is The Meat Co, a gem of a place to satisfy all your carnivorous desires.

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or the times when you just feel like having some great African food, or maybe just eating some delicious grilled meat, head down to The Meat Co, the place where taste and portion come in big proportions.

Here’s a little background on the place.

Established in 2000, The Meat Co was the vision of two of South Africa’s most successful restaurateurs, Costa Tomazos and Bradley Michael, who in their own words, wanted to ‘provide a unique and exceptionally enjoyable steakhouse dining experience that catered for meat lovers in a sophisticated yet relaxed environment’.

So inside, The Meat Co features an eclectic use of contrasting natural materials, textures and colours, all combining to reflect a sophisticated contemporary African theme.

While the restaurant covers quite a huge area, the tables are set quite close to one another and pick the wrong day or time and you might just be clued in to the lives of those people on the left and right of your table. However, pick the right time, the right weather, along with the perfect spot on the verandah outside overlooking the Dubai

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Mall fountain show, and you truly get a dining experience to remember. And we’ve not even started talking about the food yet.

The comprehensive menu allows everyone to listen to their taste buds. For starters though, we recommend the chicken liver, cooked superbly such that its texture will surprise even the most difficult of palates. If you want something more traditional, then ask for Boerewors, grilled traditional African sausage, served with pap (polenta) and chakalaka sauce.

Now, for your mains, The Meat Co is known for their perfectly cooked USDA Prime Steaks but their specialty dish is the Petite Fillets, a serving of two 100g 160-day grainfed American Black Angus steaks, flamegrilled to your liking, served on a spinach topped crouton, laced with mushroom sauce. If you’re in the mood for some seafood, then perhaps the salmon fillet, red snapper of straight up London Fish’n’Chips would be more to your liking. Not very African perhaps, but definitely still mouthwatering.

To round off your meal, The Meat Co has a very eclectic mix of desserts on offer, from

Frenchy Fondant to American-sounding Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie. That being said, the star of the show for us has to be the Crème Brulee, and dare we say that it is truly the best that we’ve tasted here in Dubai.

To learn more about the cuisine that come out of the kitche at The Meat Co, we spoke to the its Head Chef, Roy Soundranayagam.

In your opinion, what makes a South African dish authentic?

South African food is often reffered to as “Rainbow cuisine” due to the myriad of cultural influences that have affected traditional cuisine in the nation. The food in South Africa is as diverse and unique as the people.

What’s the special ingredient, in the kitchen and out of it, that makes The Meat Co. special?

South Africans use basting when grilling beef. This is a method that involves a sauce or marinade brushed onto the steak.

Depending on the marinade used, the result will be a juicer, more flavorful steak.

Why are South Africans known for their

dine out

barbecuing and grilling expertise?

They grow up enjoying braai on weekends, which is a South African social tradition involving family, friends, and meat roasting—similar to the Western concept of a barbecue. Meat is a huge part of South African heritage, and men learn how to grill and barbecue at an early age.

How close is the food served at The Meat Co. to the traditional and original ones from South Africa itself?

Our dishes are South African inspired, but sometimes presented in a different way, as we obviously need to cater to an International clientele on our menu. In South Africa, traditional dishes are often more casually prepared and with a homestyle presentation. As an International chain of restaurants, we aim to make our dishes worth leaving home for, so we often add higher cost ingredients to put a twist on the traditional style.

What is your opinion on fusion foods? Do you venture into that area at The Meat Co., or do you keep it as real as possible?

We do include a little bit of fusion in our menu, particularly with the starters.

Where do you source your ingredients from?

The beef comes from Australia, USA and New Zealand. The seafood is local, fruits and vegetables are from Middle East when available, and overseas otherwise.

Does South African cuisine rely heavily on alcohol? If so, how do you replace it to ensure that patrons in this part of the world still get to taste authentic South African cuisine?

No, it does not rely on alcohol, if needed I use non-alcoholic red wine.

What are some of the most popular dishes at the restaurant?

Boerwors & Pap, Malva Pudding, plus our famous steaks.

What is the most difficult dish to prepare?

Can you share the cooking steps?

Beef Short Ribs is a little more complicated than most. We need to trim the fat from the

ribs, then we braise them in a beef stock for 2-3 hours, and finish them on the grill when ordered with rib basting to enhance the delicious flavour.

Crème Brulee, Peanut butter and chocolate pie, chocolate fondant, etc.

Some of these desserts at The Meat Co. don’t seem too South African. Any comments?

As we are catering to many different nationalities, we offer a wide selection of desserts, which are quite popular amongst our clientele.

The Meat Co has 5 locations in the Middle East The Meat Co Madinat Jumeirah – 04 368 6040 The Meat Co Burj Dubai -04 420 0737 The Meat Co Abu Dhabi – 02 558 1793 The Meat Co Bahrain 00973 1774 2080 The Meat Co Kuwait 00965 2530 9696

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getaway

escape and indulge

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getaway

Finding serenity at Banyan Tree Al Wadi is inevitable. But in our recent trip to this enchanting escape, we also found love.

A

few weeks back, we took a side trip down Ras Al Khaimah to get first-hand experience of the muchtalked-about desert resort Banyan Tree Al Wadi. Every summer, friends have been yapping about how the resort is exceptionally marvelous that despite the weather, any one who visits would experience fabulous quietude amidst desert surroundings.

Jealous that we were, we packed our trusty Keepall 50s, and travelled close to a hundred kilometres for about an hour to check out for ourselves what was being touted as an oasis of indulgence.

Getting there Getting to the resort would have not been challenging if we remembered taking Exit 119 from the newly named Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road. Good thing though, this bit of misfortune was completely forgotten when the tranquil and eco-rich Wadi Khadeja welcomed us.

next and to our surprise, we were given a handy mobile phone to be able to reach our efficient and friendly dedicated villa host.

After which, we were off to the buggy to take us to our villa.

In this nature enclave, set against the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the magnificent Al Hajjar Mountains, is where Banyan Tree Al Wadi rests amidst 100 hectares of private nature reserve, home to indigenous plants and wildlife. A number of camels, beautiful sand dunes and distinctive desert trees beset our eyes as we came closer to the resort’s ochre-coloured exterior.

On arrival Polite staff greeted us with their warm and friendly spiel, and helped us with our bags filled with carefully selected summer wardrobe. As we walked through the lobby, we could not help but notice the high ceilings, Arabesque wall patterns, darkly varnished seats and antique-looking vases and decors, giving the interior the unmistakably opulent Middle Eastern touch.

Then, we did check-in while quenching ourselves with refreshing carcaday juice, a popular relaxing Middle Eastern drink. A walk-through on our itinerary happened

The villa While on the buggy ride, we marveled at the uniquely made-up Arabian-inspired watchtowers that we believed once atop would give panoramic scenery that is equally peaceful and romantic.

We were told that Banyan Tree Al Wadi is known to be the first ever desert resort to offer an all-pool luxury villa concept. It has 70 Deluxe Pool Villas (Al Rimal) and 31 Tented Pool Villas (Al Khaimah and Al Sahari) where each villa is said to pay a tribute to the heritage of the region with its elaborate Arabic-inspired designs and architecture. Al Rimal features a picturesque garden and private sundeck, perfect for families while Al Khaimah and Al Sahari (where we stayed) offer romantic escapade.

From the outside, the villa looked like a modern Bedouin-style desert dwelling; from the inside, the villa took our breaths away with the lavish and finest things a resort room could give. Spanning a vast

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getaway

buffet selection that stuffed us on our last day at the resort. Our lunch at Al Waha, an all-day open restaurant serving international dishes and Arabic specialties, was divine – we had great time partaking buttered chicken and grilled chicken Caesar salad.

pool and head to the spa for pampering.

253-square metre villa, Al Sahari sprawls under flowing canopied ceilings, posh furnishings of soft linens and silk brocades, quintessential comforts of TV, radio, CD, and unbelievably huge and heavenly restroom and bath.

With the grandeur of the villa’s interior plus the private pool enveloped by verdant gardens where we found birds and gazelles gazing upon us from our terrace and reddish sand hypnotizing our eyes, we just could not move one bit to do the next thing. In this heavenly sanctuary, we simply want to relish every bit of the moment, and let time move to its slowest pace.

What to do Although we could stay in blissful oblivion inside the villa, we decided to check out the other amenities and activities that Banyan Tree Al Wadi is known for. This desert resort is complete with hydrotherapy spa facilities, a private beach club and dedicated nature reserve.

Guests are also invited for nature walk and take a try at falconry, camel riding and wadi safaris, fit for the adventurous eco-explorers. We opted out for this walk because of the scorching heat but we decided to take a dip in our private

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Our journey around Banyan Tree Al Wadi took a full swing when we sought respite at the resort’s ultra-indulging The Rainforest. Known to be the first-ever hydrothermal spa facility in the region, it is offered as a complimentary service to all in-house guests.

The one-hour appointment inside this massive spa circuit was quite short considering the many options of showers, saunas, steam baths and vitality pools. Our personal favourites were the Rain Walk, Bucket Drench Shower, Affusion Showers, Ice Igloo, Lavender Sauna, Grotto Steam, Hydro Massage Lounger and Waterfalls for Neck and Shoulder. Lying down on automatic heating sun bed while was the perfect way to keep us dry after this one-of-a-kind Rainforest experience.

Where to eat We knew that finding places to eat in the middle of the desert was difficult, but the resort’s dining options did not disappoint.

The complimentary breakfast was of huge

Our dinner at Safran, the resort’s signature restaurant, was similarly an exquisite treat of Thai curries and mango sticky rice. Safran actually offers outdoor dining during colder season, and we were told that the dinner at the watchtower by the restaurant is now up for the taking to those looking for an exclusive and unique romantic dining.

Other than these food stops, the resort has Samra Lounge, a chill-out complex with Moon Bar at the roof terrace, and of course in-villa dining.

Final Verdict Stepping away from the city hustle was what we wanted. But we never knew that we’d fall in love in Banyan Tree Al Wadi.

This place is perfect for couples looking for a dramatic dreamy place to celebrate love and romance. It’s indeed the ultimate destination that provides privacy, and indulges lovebirds to the most luxurious forms. Being an epitome of romantic escapade, this resort makes us wish to find the right man soon, get married and spend our honeymoon in here. But of course, that’s the dream – it is some vibe in this place that allowed its guests to feel, we reckoned. Well indeed, from its vast villas and private pools to unique spa facilities and efficient staff, Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras Al Khaimah is worth the praise. No wonder it has always been a buzzword in seeking for getaways, romantic or not.

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artsy And what would life be like without a little bit of art and culture…

Art of the month

Amman Art Week Art Week Amman (AWA) is set to create a vibrant space for local, regional, and internationally acclaimed artists to shine.

Hosted from September 5-15, and organised

by ArtMedium, AWA will be transforming the city’s art galleries into spaces set to inspire artists at all stages of their artistic journeys, as well as art collectors, and enthusiasts alike.

One of AWA’s major attractions is the ‘Contemporary Art Exhibition’ curated by the French art specialist Victoria Lelandais. The event is set to present the works of Jordanian and International artists from the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts’ collection, in addition to showcasing the works of the renowned artist Elmer Dumlao. Fans of history will also be sure to enjoy AWA’s tribute to the city of Amman, which will be brought to the forefront in an exhibition titled ‘Faces of Amman’.

Adding to the Art Exhibitions in September, Art Week Amman will also feature Movie Screenings, talks and workshops, Art Journeys and the Connect Art Forum which will comprise presentations and panel discussions featuring local and regional notable speakers.

KHOSH BOSH! Beirut – An Identity Adrift by Hatty Pedder She is full of contradictions. She is complex and confusing. Both charming and selfish.

Consistently unpredictable, she will lure you and repel you. Make you feel disillusioned and then equally exhilarated. She can fill you with all manner of frustrations but never fails to envelop you in her unique embrace. She is Beirut.

Hatty Pedder’s relationship with her subject evolved over time from one that was both intimidating and overwhelming to one that is spontaneous, easy going and appreciative. The show’s title ‘Khosh Bosh!’ is a Lebanese slang phrase that is used to describe a relationship without inhibitions or protocol and captures the spirit and unique tone of the exhibition perfectly.

Through the use of her unique multi-layered visual techniques, Pedder deconstructs and rebuilds distinctive and insightful narratives that attempt to expose moments and slices of life in this city full of stories.

The artist’s investigative journey is instinctive, emotive and fresh. And given the use of her trademark vibrant colour palette, the body of work at first glance might seem bright and cheerful. But beneath the surface we encounter subtle and sometimes not so subtle references to an array of socio-cultural issues and contemporary conflicts that today define the mood and mindset in this coastal city. From its obsession with plastic surgery, designer brands and religion, to its lawlessness, lethargy and ongoing lack of electricity.

Pedder ‘s eclectic body of work attempts to penetrate the multi-layered dynamic that has made Beirut such an enigma for so long.

She holds an interpretive mirror up to a city where fragmentation and contradiction form an unsettling foundation upon which its inhabitants build their lives with a spirit that endures.

Beirut, a city belonging to everyone and nobody.

Contemporary Dance Classes at James & Alex Dance Studios James & Alex Dance Studios, located in the heart of Dubai Media City, has announced that its new autumn term for contemporary dance will begin on September 8. Contemporary Courses will run in blocks of 7 weeks for dancers to move up through the various levels from beginners to intermediates and all the way to advanced, enhancing their technique and creative skills with every step.

What’s more, Contemporary dance drop-in classes will also be held every Tuesday evening for beginners and every Thursday evening for improvers/intermediates. This offers the perfect opportunity for those dancers who simply want to enjoy the beauty of dance at their own convenience.

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artsy Pouran Jinchi is an Iranian-born, New York artist who borrows from her home culture’s traditions of literature and calligraphy to pursue her own aesthetic investigations. Having been trained in calligraphy, she finds the relation between words and forms, natural or non-objective, deeply intertwined.

In Pouran’s recent work, viewers will appreciate her increasingly detailed focus on the form of language as subject matter.

Jinchi returns to The Third Line with her third solo show, The Blind Owl, continuing her investigation into deconstructing calligraphy and looking into the deeper complexities of the written word. The artist explores the physical form and its signified insinuations through the lens of the dark narratives of The Blind Owl, a major literary work by Iranian author Sadegh Hedayat.

Pouran Jinchi [The Blind Owl Series]

Nadia Ayari moved from Tunisia to the

US in 2000 where she earned her MFA in Painting at the Rhode Island School of Design. In 2010, she co-represented the US at the 12th International Cairo Biennale and in 2011 participated in the 3rd and 4th Thessaloniki Biennale in Greece. She’s held solo shows in Italy and New York with her third solo show, This Place being held at Monya Rowe Gallery, NY. Her work was included in group exhibitions internationally in venues including the Saatchi Gallery, London; and Monica De Cardenas Gallery, Switzerland and Gallery Diet, FL. Her works are part of the collections of the State Museum of Contemporary Art, Thessaloniki, Greece; and the Saatchi Collection, London.

For The Fountain and The Fig opening in the Project Space at The Third Line, Ayari works with densely painted surfaces, where stark contrasting colours form hyper-natural imagery and provide strong allegories of the sensual and the violent.

Her predominant aesthetic concerns remain with rendering conceptual

For The Blind Owl (Pattern), the artist has created 71 pieces that deconstruct and reassemble the 71 letters of Hedayat’s quote – “I write only for my shadow which is cast on the wall in front of the light. I must introduce myself to it”. Using pen and copper on paper, Jinchi draws out individual

Pouran Jinchi [The Blind Owl Series Purple]

Persian alphabets in decorative patterns, delving deep into the transcendent value each mark makes. In a similar structure, The Blind Owl (the dot drawings) includes 96 drawings on paper that are a visual appropriation from the 96 pages of the book, abstracted to only accents of the text.

As with previous works where she drew inspiration from seminal text works like the Quran and the Cyrus Cylinder (ancient Persian text based artifact), The Blind Owl is an example of how Pouran uses literature to inform her practice.

By using abstraction and repetitive patterning, she provides a visual experience that is left to the individual interpretation of the viewer.

narratives, whereby the act of painting becomes an important tool in the dialogue.

By using heavily conventionalised symbols such as the fig and the tree, she influences the imagery to acquire an element of myth-like storytelling. The densely painted surfaces take on a sculptural quality as Ayari works layer upon layer to construct the visual, subtly manipulating the thick paint to set along the grain of the folded leaf and the curve of the over-ripened fruit.

The exhibit includes five abstracted florathemed paintings that follow a singular strain. The visuals are dreamlike and surreal – blood red rain covers deep purple figs that spout out leafy tongues from their burning red crevices. As is suggestive in their titles Tongue, Splitting, Pouring, Spit and Fountain there is a violence and raw carnality that intermingle to create a macabre vision. Also part of the show are ink on paper drawings. These studies of a rose, a tree and a fig isolate emblematic elements that are present in the paintings – however, wholly opposite in their execution, they present a more whimsical side of the world the artist is depicting.

Nadia Ayari [The Fountain and The Fig]

Nadia Ayari [Untitled Tree]

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books/music

Recommended Books

Music Top Charts

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling) The Harry Potter author surprised the world by revealing that she had written a crime book under a pseudonym in the Spring. At the time of release the book garnered outstanding reviews and now that the author has been revealed it has gone on to become a world-wide bestseller.

Speeches That Changed the World A brilliant collection of the world’s most influential speeches. Including Earl Spencer’s lament to ‘The extraordinary and irreplaceable Diana’, Nikita Krushchev’s secret speech of 1956 signalling the beginning of the end of Stalinist Russia, Kevin Rudd’s historic apology to Australia’s mistreated Aborigines and Barack Obama’s momentous US election night victory speech.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn Love Gone Girl? Then you’ll adore this earlier novel by the bestselling author. Just as dark, just as brilliantly written, and just as impossible to put down.

Kiarostami Film Retrospective Doha Film Institute (DFI) celebrates the illustrious cinematic and internationally renowned, award-winning filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami with a dedicated showcase of 14 short and feature films from September 13-21 at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha for the first time.

Kiarostami himself is expected to attend and to make appearances at screenings.

The Kiarostami Retrospective will include: Bread and Alley (1970); Breaktime (1972); Experience (1973); The Traveller (1974); Where Is the Friend’s House? (1987);

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Various Artists – Now 85 It is the 85th edition of the UK Now! series. The Official Charts Company reported the album as the fastest selling album in 2013 so far, shifting over 317,000 copies in its first week of sales.

Various Artists – Coke Studio Season 2 Undoubtedly one of the most unique and phenomenally successful concepts ever, Season 2 of Coke Studio attracted huge viewership and it was only fitting that this album was released, featuring tracks from Nelly feat. Sherine, Flor Rida feat. Myriam Fares and Jay Sean feat. Shamma Hamdan.

Selena Gomez – Stars Dance Selena Gomez’s fourth album reveals how she continues to grow as an artist. From the platinum selling single and Top 40 radio hit of ‘Come & Get It’ to the new fan favorite ‘Slow Down,’ this album is set to be her most celebrated record yet. Working with such high profile writers and producers like Ester Dean, Stargate and more, Selena Gomez’s fans are in for a musical treat with the quality, calibre and pop sensibility of this record.

Close-Up (1990); Cannes Palme d’Or winner Taste of Cherry (1997); Venice Film Festival Silver Lion winner The Wind Will Carry Us (1999); ABC Africa (2001); Ten (2002); Five (2003); Shirin (2008); Certified Copy (2010), for which Juliette Binoche won the best actress prize at the Cannes Film Festival; and Like Someone in Love (2012).

The flagbearer of Iranian cinema within the international film circuit, Kiarostami has been attributed with being instrumental in elevating the presence of Iranian cinema, today one of the most respected national cinemas in the world.

moViEs/TV/GEAR

Tube Talk The GALAXY Tab 3 series is available with a choice of a 7-inch, 8-inch or 10.1 inch screen sizes, providing you various ways to view, listen, create, and share meaningful events and special content with those who matter most. Ideal for keeping you entertained, the GALAXY Tab 3 series boasts a selection of new features and allows for faster downloading and sharing.

65th annual Emmy Awards live on OSN The red carpet has been rolled out and the stage has been set. OSN will bring the star-studded glitz and glamour of the 65th annual Emmy Awards live to audiences across the Middle East and North Africa. Of the recordbreaking 238 nominations across 75 categories, over 50 shows air exclusively on OSN.

The Panasonic LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) Camera DMC-GX7 features high photographic performance and sleek design with tiltable LVF (Live View Finder) that satisfies advanced photographers. It also incorporates Creative Panorama, Time Lapse Shot, Stop Motion Animation or Clear Retouch in addition to the popular Creative Control mode with a total of 22 fascinating filter effects. The Stop Motion Animation allows producing unique stop motion video.

HBO’s highly-billed Game of Thrones reigned once again with 16 nominations while Phil Spector, Boardwalk Empire, Girls, and Veep collected a combined 31 nominations.

Disney’s Modern Family, received 12 nominations.

This year’s comedy category included The Colbert Report, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; and Louie, each getting six nominations; while How I Met Your Mother, Glee, and Louis C.K: Oh My God, were shortlisted for four awards.

Tune in on September 23 to catch the action of the Emmy’s on OSN First HD live – where you always see it first.

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The Coveted

Time to watch There is no denying that the wedding day is one of the most awaited moments in any girl’s life. A countdown, nonetheless, is expected in marking the importance of this singular event. And time-wise, it is equally essential to standout in impressive glamour. This bejeweled piece from Chopard, a master in watchmaking, makes a splendid best friend in keeping time and adorning bride in high jewellery.

Wrapped in 18-carat white gold, thie beauty is in rectangular dial and strap fully set with brilliant cut diamonds. An epitome of sublime radiance of jewellery expressed as a watch, the L’Heure du Diamant

by Chopard is, no doubt, an excellent time choice for modern, elegant bride.

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